The event, which was held at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy, illuminated the night with 35,000 glowing lanterns.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung and several other high-ranking officials. Numerous international Buddhist delegates also participated, making the event a key moment for cultural diplomacy and international exchange hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
Monks, nuns, and followers lit individual lotus-shaped lanterns, which together formed the shape of Vietnam’s map, symbolising unity and national identity.
Thousands of attendees offered heartfelt prayers for world peace, national prosperity, and the alleviation of human suffering. Amid the solemn atmosphere, many were visibly moved by the collective spiritual energy. Releasing lanterns also symbolised prayers for the souls of the deceased to find peace and liberation from suffering.
“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to venerate the Buddha’s relics and now to be part of this sacred lantern ceremony,” said Le Thi Thanh, 50. “The solemn atmosphere brings back emotional memories of my late loved ones.”
After a walking meditation around the lake and a chanting ritual, participants moved to Lang Le Park to release their lanterns onto the water.
Among them was 92-year-old Tan Thi Ngo, who arrived at 4 pm to secure her place. As monks from various countries passed by, she respectfully greeted them with chants and bows.
In an orderly procession, the crowd slowly made its way to the lakeside for the lantern release. As the lanterns lit up the water, prayers and hopes for peace, compassion, and universal well-being filled the air.
Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac, Head of the Central Cultural Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Chair of the Vesak 2025 Cultural Subcommittee, confirmed that all floating lanterns would be retrieved from the lake immediately after the ceremony to ensure environmental protection.
The United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 is being held in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6 to 8 under the theme: “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development.” The event has attracted over 2,700 delegates, including around 1,300 international representatives from 85 countries and territories, all coming together to share the Buddhist message of peace, humanity, and sustainable growth.
