Large crowds of Buddhist followers and local residents gathered at Quán Sứ Pagoda in Hà Nội for the celebration of Vesak. VNS Photos Đoàn Tùng

HÀ NỘI — On Monday morning, the Vesak Celebration of Buddhist Calendar Year 2569 was solemnly held at Quán Sứ Pagoda — the headquarters of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha — drawing large crowds of Buddhist followers and local residents.

Although the ceremony officially began at 8am, hundreds of devotees had already gathered by 7am, bringing with them a deep sense of reverence. Quiet processions entered the pagoda grounds, where the gentle scent of incense created a serene and sacred atmosphere.

The ceremony was presided over by Most Venerable Thích Thanh Nhiễu, Standing Vice President of the Executive Council of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha, alongside other venerable monks, nuns, and a large number of Buddhist followers.

Most Venerable Thích Gia Quang, Vice President of the Executive Council and Head of the Central Information and Communication Committee of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha, delivered the official Vesak address. — VNS

Although the ceremony officially began at 8am, hundreds of devotees had already gathered by 7am.

The highlight of the ceremony was the Buddha bathing ritual, a sacred tradition imbued with deep symbolic meaning.

With sincere devotion, devotees gently poured fragrant water over a statue of the newborn Buddha, symbolising the purification of the mind and spirit from greed, anger, and ignorance, while fostering compassion and virtuous conduct.

Quiet processions made their way into the pagoda grounds, where the soft scent of incense filled the air, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere.

Beyond its profound spiritual significance, the Vesak Celebration serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s core teachings — compassion, wisdom, and peace — inspiring all people to live with harmony, mindfulness, and dignity.

Vesak, also known as Buddha’s Birthday, has been recognised by the United Nations as a significant cultural and spiritual occasion for humanity. It is one of Buddhism’s three major celebrations, alongside Enlightenment Day and Ullambana (the Ghost Festival).

Hundreds of devotees and attendees approached the ceremonial altar in reverence, each gently pouring three ladles of purified water over the statue of the baby Buddha as an act of devotion and grace.

Vesak is also known as the “Triple Blessed Day” as it commemorates three sacred events in the life of Gautama Buddha — his birth, enlightenment, and passing — all believed to have occurred on the same day.