Vietnam readies for Buddhist celebration

About 1,400 delegates from 105 countries will come to attend the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS).

Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Vice President of the VBS's

Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Vice President of the VBS's, said Vesak 2019 will be held at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province from May 12 to 14 with the theme of Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies.

The celebration aims to strengthen the relationship between the VBS and other Buddhist sangha in the world.

Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, General Secretary of the VBS, said over 1,400 delegates from 105 countries had confirmed that they would arrive in Vietnam to attend the celebration including leaders of Buddhist sects, 60 ambassadors, researchers and representatives of various foreign organisations. Foreign leaders including the president of Myanmar, prime minister of Nepal, vice president of India, president of Bhutan, and deputy secretary-general of the United Nations will also attend.

The Vesak will have various ceremonies from incense offerings, and Buddha bathing rituals to exhibitions and Buddhist fair.

This is the third time Vesak has been hosted in Vietnam after the celebrations in 2008 and 2014.