(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will host the UN Day of Sevak 2014, Buddha's Birthday, Enlightenment and Passing Away, from May 7 to 11 at Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh province.

Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh province

More than 15,000 international guests will attend the celebration themed “A Buddhist Perspective towards achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals”. Vietnam initiated the theme to confirm that Buddhist followers worldwide want to build a peaceful and happy life for all people around the world.

The Thai Deputy Prime Minister, Cambodian King, and many high-ranking officials, religious leaders, scholars, and Buddhist researchers from 95 countries are scheduled to attend the celebration. The celebration will consist of 5 seminars to discuss solutions for crises and to fulfill UN millennium development goals.

In addition, there will be various sideline activities such as a cultural and religious festival, a Buddhist cultural fair, and art performances. Superior Monk Thich Thanh Nhieu, Deputy Head of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, told a press conference on Monday that preparations have been completed. "We expect to welcome 10,000 Buddhist followers to attend the celebration as the spring festival in Bai Dinh received 10,000 people. We have prepared a large hall, two big screens, and 40,000 meals. Vegetables are being delivered from Da Lat and food from Ho Chi Minh city. Thousands of volunteers will join the celebration."