Buddha's birthday celebrated in VN

HA NOI — The Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha held a grand ceremony at the Quan Su Pagoda in Ha Noi on Saturday to celebrate Lord Buddha's 2556th birthday. The celebration is one of the most important in the Buddhist faith, not only in Viet Nam but around the world. At the ceremony, Buddhist followers honoured Lord Buddha and the living philosophy of Buddhism.

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan praised the great achievements that the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha made in recent times.

He stressed that the Party and State always respected people's freedom of religion and worship, while ensuring all religious activities are in accordance with the law. Religious dignitaries and their followers had the right to practice as they wish while fulfilling their roles as citizens.

Nhan said he hoped that the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, monks, nuns and followers both in and outside of the country would continue to promote Buddhist traditions, retain close links with the nation, and make active contributions to national construction and defence.

After the ceremony, Buddhist followers conducted several traditional rituals such as bathing the baby Buddha and releasing doves to pray for peace and happiness.

Buddha's birthday was also celebrated in many other parts of the country, including HCM City, Da Nang City, Quang Nam, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, An Giang and Kien Giang provinces. — VNA/VNS