Thousands join Vesak Day procession and Buddha bathing ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City

Thousands of monks, nuns, Buddhists, and artists gathered in Ho Chi Minh City for a procession and bathing ceremony to celebrate Vesak Day, marking the birth of Buddha.

The event, organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Ho Chi Minh City, began with a procession carrying a 60cm tall jade Buddha statue from To Dinh An Quang to Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda. The statue, carved from a single piece of Hetian jade and weighing 32kg, depicts the infant Buddha with one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the earth, symbolizing his miraculous birth.

Following the procession, the sacred statue will be enshrined at the main hall of Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda for a week, allowing devotees to pay their respects until May 31, the full moon day of the lunar calendar. The bathing ritual, led by Most Venerable Thich Le Trang, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, followed the procession, with monks, nuns, and followers participating.

Similar ceremonies are also scheduled in other locations within the city, including Vung Tau on May 28 and Thu Dau Mot on May 26. The main Vesak Day celebration will take place at Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda on May 31. Most Venerable Thich Le Trang extended wishes for peace and happiness to all Buddhists, emphasizing Vesak Day as an occasion to reflect on the profound teachings and life of Buddha.

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On the occasion of the Great Vesak Festival, I send wishes of peace and happiness to all monks, nuns, and Buddhists. This is a special event, not only commemorating the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha but also an opportunity for each of us Buddhist children to look back and better understand the profound lessons from the life of the Lord Buddha and His practical teachings.