Lighting of lotus lanterns signals Buddha's birthday

THUA THIEN-HUE — The standing committee of the Buddhist Sangha of Viet Nam's Hue chapter yesterday lighted up seven lotus lanterns on the Huong River, signalling the start of the Buddha's birthday celebrations.

Venerable Thich Giac Quang, deputy head of the standing committee and the organising committee of the festival, said in the past four years, the tradition to light up the lotus lanterns had reaffirmed the loyalty of Buddhist followers, cementing the connection between the past and present and among different social groups and generations.

During the week, which lasts until the night of May 5, activities will include daily mass at the Tu Dam Pagoda, a special music show today at the province's information and culture centre, a procession of flower boats on the Huong River the following day and many others.

There are at least 10 million Buddhists in Viet Nam out of the country's 87 million population. — VNS