The ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, was scheduled to start at 8 am But by 7 am, crowds had already packed into the pagoda, keen to join the celebrations.
Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, permanent vice president of the Sangha’s executive council, led the event, joined by senior monks, religious leaders, and a large gathering of monastics and lay followers.
For many, Vesak is a sacred occasion and a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, wisdom and peace, encouraging people to lead lives of mindfulness and harmony.
One of the highlights was the Buddha bathing ritual, a symbolic tradition in which devotees poured three ladles of purified water over a statue of the infant Buddha. The act represents the cleansing of body, speech, and mind and remains a central part of Vesak ceremonies across the world.
From 14 to 16 May, the pagoda will also host sacred relics of the Buddha, with visiting hours from 7 am to 9.30 pm each day, giving followers and visitors a chance to pay their respects.
