The grand ceremony saw the participation of Most Venerable Patriarch of the VBS’s Discernment Council Thích Phổ Tuệ, Most Venerable Vice Patriarch of the VBS’s Discernment Council Thích Thanh Sam, Buddhist dignitaries and monks, nuns of the VBS’s Executive Committee in provinces and cities, and a large number of followers across the country.

Distinguished guests at the ceremony included State President Trần Đại Quang, Secretary of the Hanoi city’s Party Committee Hoàng Trung Hải, representatives of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, as well as representatives of Embassies of India, Malaysia and Indonesia, etc.

During the ceremony, Most Venerable Standing Vice Chairman of the VBS’s Executive Council Thích Thanh Nhiễu read the message of the VBS Patriarch Thích Phổ Tuệ extending best wishes to Vietnam’s Buddhist dignitaries and followers inside and outside the country on the occasion of Vesak Festival 2016.

 Speaking at the ceremony, President Trần Đại Quang highlighted the importance of the Buddha Birthday Festival in the spiritual life of the country.  

President Trần Đại Quang speaks at the ceremony.

He also called on Buddhist dignitaries and followers to continue promoting fine traditions of Vietnam Buddhism and making practical contributions to religious and national unity, as well as national construction and defense in the country. 

President offers incense at Quan Su Pagoda

During the event, President Trần Đại Quang also joint Buddhist dignitaries in making incense offering, performing Buddha bathing ceremony, releasing doves and balloons to pray for peace and prosperity.

Releasing doves and balloons at the ceremony.

TP