The sacred relic of the Buddha is enshrined on the first floor of the main hall at Quán Sứ Pagoda. VNS Photos Trương Vị

HÀ NỘI — From early morning on May 14, large crowds of Buddhist devotees and residents from across the country gathered at Quán Sứ Pagoda in Hà Nội’s Hoàn Kiếm District to pay their respects to the sacred relics of the Buddha.

The relics, enshrined as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 celebrations, will remain at the pagoda from May 14 until the morning of May 16. Worshippers began queuing as early as 6am, waiting in quiet reverence for their turn to perform the traditional veneration rites.

This rare and spiritually significant display forms part of a nationwide series of activities marking Vesak, the Buddha’s birthday, and has attracted considerable public interest.

Quán Sứ Pagoda, which also serves as the headquarters of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha, is expected to receive thousands more visitors in the coming days. To accommodate the influx, the pagoda has extended its opening hours from 7am to 9.30pm. — VNS

Monks arrive at Quán Sứ Pagoda in Hà Nội to venerate the sacred relic of Buddha Shakyamuni.

The sacred relic of the Buddha is currently enshrined on the first floor of Quán Sứ Pagoda’s main hall.

As part of the Vesak 2025 celebrations, the relics will be enshrined at the pagoda from May 14 through to the morning of May 16.

Worshippers began queuing as early as 6am, waiting in quiet reverence to perform the traditional rites of veneration.

Worshippers queue at the gate of Quán Sứ Pagoda.

The line extends down Quán Sứ Street, wrapping around the area outside the pagoda.

Worshippers queue in an orderly and peaceful manner. The event is part of a nationwide series of activities marking Vesak, the Buddha’s birthday, and has drawn significant public interest due to its spiritual importance and the rare opportunity to view the sacred relics.

Quán Sứ Pagoda, the headquarters of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha, is expected to welcome thousands more visitors in the coming days, with extended opening hours from 7am to 9.30pm to accommodate the flow of devotees.