On the evening of March 1, the 13th day of the first lunar month, Buddhist followers and local residents assembled at Dieu Phap Pagoda for a lantern-lighting ceremony marking the first full moon festival.
The pagoda had prepared 1,000 lanterns from early morning to serve worshippers and guests.
Although the ceremony officially began at 7 pm, many arrived from mid-afternoon to chant sutras and pray.
To maintain a solemn atmosphere, organisers limited attendance and required prior registration.
After incense offerings and prostrations to the Three Jewels led by the abbot, the congregation chanted the Medicine Buddha Sutra and prayers for national peace and public well-being.
The candle-lighting ritual, symbolising the transmission of compassion and wisdom from the Buddha through the monastic community to lay followers, was a particularly sacred moment.
The shared flame represented continuity of the teachings, harmony within the Sangha and the nurturing of kindness and happiness in each participant.
In the tranquil setting, accompanied by rhythmic chanting and the abbot’s sermon on parental gratitude, many worshippers were visibly moved to tears.
Participants first gathered in the main hall for prayers before monks led a lantern-lighting rite and a walking meditation around the courtyard.
In deep, resonant recitations of the Buddha’s name, attendees took mindful steps, offering wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year.
For safety reasons, worshippers did not release the lanterns directly into the Saigon River. Volunteers assisted in placing them gently onto the water’s surface.
Each lantern carried prayers for favourable weather, national stability, prosperity and family harmony.
“Today is my birthday, and I chose to come to the pagoda to pray and join the lantern ceremony for peace in the year ahead,” said Ly Binh Nghi, a participant.
Located along the Saigon River, Dieu Phap Pagoda is regarded as a serene spiritual refuge in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It regularly attracts worshippers for major occasions such as Vu Lan and Vesak, when rituals including life release and lantern floating are held.
