Thousands of Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns, and followers attended a festival in HCM City on August 22 to pay respect to their ancestors and pray for peace, happiness and prosperity for their families and the nation.
The solemn ritual was held at Suoi Tien Amusement Park by the HCM City Chapter of the Buddhist Sangha.
It was part of the Vu Lan Festival observed by Vietnamese people on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month to show gratitude to their parents. This year, the festival falls on August 24. According to Buddhist tradition, on that day, the people prepare a feast to offer their ancestors, and support wandering souls.
On August 24, about 500 Theravada Buddhist laymen will conduct a mendicant ritual and sit meditatively, illustrating the hardship Buddhists must experience to reach enlightenment.
The Amusement Park has offered free entrance to pilgrims and donated 300 tonnes of rice to families living in difficulty in HCM City’s neighbouring provinces.