Vesak Week takes place from the 8th to the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, from May 24 to 31. The celebrations calls on Buddhists and the wider public to uphold moral values and stay vigilant against extremist ideologies that threaten national unity and Vietnamese cultural identity. Another major focus this year is the spirit of Vietnamese Buddhism accompanying the nation through Dharma talks, charitable activities and support for people living in remote and ethnic minority areas.
“We always see national unity as a key factor in maintaining stability and supporting sustainable development. Religious organizations, including the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, have made meaningful contributions to improving both the material and spiritual lives of the people," said Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee at a Vesak ceremony organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha at Vietnam National Pagoda on May 24.
"The city will continue to support religious activities and help build a healthy and civilized religious environment that champions the mantra ‘good life, beautiful religion’,” Cuong added.
In Hue City, thousands of monks, Buddhists and local residents joined a Buddha procession and lighted seven lotus lanterns on the Huong River to pray for peace and prosperity. Charity programs were also held at pagodas and Buddhist institutions in many localities to support disadvantaged people.
Most Venerable Thich Khe Chon, Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Hue, said the Buddha procession has been a cherished tradition in the former imperial city. “This procession dates back to 1936 and has become a time-honored tradition in Hue. Every year, monks and Buddhists gather to hold the Buddha bathing ceremony and the procession from Dieu De Pagoda to Tu Dam Pagoda. Through these activities, we pray for peace and prosperity for the nation, for world peace, and for the well being of all people,” Most Venerable Chon said.
Le Thi My Nhon, a Buddhist in Hue who joined the celebrations, shared her happiness to commemorate the Buddha’s birthday with other people. "Everyone helps decorate the altar, chants scriptures and prays for peace. As Buddhists, we try to live with compassion, do good deeds, avoid wrongdoing and always treat others with kindness and generosity,” Nhon told VOV.
The central city of Da Nang has held Buddha processions, lantern displays along the Han River and charitable programs for people in difficult circumstances. Venerable Thich Tu Nghiem, Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Da Nang, said Buddhism has long been closely connected to Vietnamese culture and daily life.
“The Buddha procession reflects the faith of followers and the deep influence Buddhism has had in Vietnam," Venerable Nghiem noted. "For more than 2,000 years, Buddhism has been closely tied to the Vietnamese people and has shaped many aspects of life. Organizing the procession is a way to honor the birth of the Buddha and preserve those spiritual values.”
The mantra “Buddhism accompanying the nation” has been observed in the Central Highlands and ethnic minority communities. Most Venerable Thich Van Tri, Deputy Head of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Board in Lam Dong province, said Vesak is one of the most important celebrations for Buddhists, so everyone is happy to take part in and help prepare for it.
"We also see the ceremony as a meaningful way to learn more about Buddhist teachings and apply them in our lives to ease suffering and find peace,” Most Venerable Tri continued.
Through this year’s Vesak celebrations, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha hopes Buddhists will continue spreading compassion, kindness and generosity, contributing to a peaceful and stable society and supporting the country’s sustainable development.
