Attending the ceremony were Most Venerable Deputy General Secretary of the central VBS Discernment Council Thích Thanh Dũng, Most Venerable Vice Chairman of the central VBS Executive Council Thích Thanh Nhiễu and a large number of Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers inside and outside the city.

Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Politburo member and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs cum Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Phạm Dũng, representatives from central agencies, Hanoi city authorities and Embassies of France, Australia, India, Sri Lanka.

At the ceremony, Most Venerable Thích Thanh Nhiễu read the message of VBS Supreme Patriarch Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ to Vietnam’s Buddhist dignitaries and followers inside and outside the country, which highlighted achievements by the VBS over the past years, including the establishment of VBS chapters in all provinces and cities throughout the country, appointment of abbots to manage pagodas in islands, and social and charitiable activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, VFF President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân extended congratulations to Buddhist monks, dignitaries and followers, and praised VBS’s contributions in expanding pre-school education, social and charitiable activities, and joining patriotic movements for national unity and building and defense of the country. He expressed his hope that the VBS would continue to promote fine traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism, stay closely attached to and accompany with the nation, and become an organization for all Buddhists inside and outside the country.

During the ceremony, participating dignitaries released balloon and pigeons to pray for peace and happiness

VFF President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân speaks at the ceremony

Balloon and pigeons released at the ceremony to pray for peace

Kiều Nga