Attending the festival included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Phạm Bình Minh, Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vũ Chiến Thắng, leaders of ministries, branches and localities, and many domestic and foreign Buddhists.

The event featured over 40,000 flower-shaped lanterns lit up and Buddhist chanting and rituals performed together praying for peace, prosperity and happiness in the world.

In his remarks, Deputy PM Phạm Bình Minh expressed his delight to welcome foreign delegates who come to honour the values of Buddhism during the UN Vesak 2019.

He stressed that Vesak 2019 is an important event in the religious life of Buddhist followers worldwide, and it offers an opportunity for them to meet and pervade Buddhism values of tolerance, altruism, harmony and peace.

Deputy PM Phạm Bình Minh

As the world is facing grave risks of wars, conflicts, stability and natural disasters which drive millions of people to unhappy life, the Deputy PM  called on Buddhist followers and people all around the world to intensify friendship, tighten cooperation and promote values of Buddhism to build peace, contributing to settling challenges and conflicts and alleviating poverty.

He hoped that Vietnamese people and Buddhist followers will continue enhancing Buddhism’s quintessence, enrich Vietnamese culture as well as well respect current regulations on religion, making contributions to building a peaceful Vietnam with sustainable development.

Images at the festival:

Distinguished Buddhist dignitaries and State officials at the lantern festival

Chairman Vũ Chiến Thắng performs Buddha bathing ritual

International and Vietnamese Buddhists take path in Buddhist ritual

PTT