The canal is illuminated by lotus-shaped lanterns, each one symbolizing Buddha’s footsteps at his birth, according to legend.

Lan Anh, a local, writes wishes for peace and happiness for herself and her loved ones on lotus-shaped lanterns before setting them adrift.

Phap Hoa Pagoda attracts thousands of people who come to participate in this meaningful ritual.

A young girl joins the crowd, holding her lantern up high in front of the pagoda’s gate.

The ritual commenced at 6:30 p.m. on May 19. Monks and nuns crafted thousands of lanterns specifically for the festival, generously distributing them for free.

The lantern ceremony is a prayer for peace in the nation, held on the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar—celebrating Buddha’s birth.

Spectators line the canal, witnessing the beautiful sight of lanterns glowing in the night.

Phap Hoa Pagoda has hosted this annual lantern ceremony since 2006, making it the largest such event in Ho Chi Minh City for Buddha’s birthday celebrations.
You may also like

Con Dao island named Asia’s paradise sea: CNN

NDO/VNA – Boasting crystal turquoise sea and a placid atmosphere, Con Dao island in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau has been named by the US Cable News Network (CNN) as one of Asia’s paradise seas.

Ho Chi Minh City tourism strives to become spearhead economic sector

NDO—The Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee held a conference on March 8 to disseminate and implement the Politburo’s resolution on developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector.

Hanoi, HCM City see good growth of tourism revenue

NDO – In the first ten months of 2016, the revenue of Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism industry amounted to VND80 trillion while Hanoi’s reached over VND50 trillion.

Lonely Planet names Con Dao among best destinations in Asia

NDO – Travel website Lonely Planet has named Vietnam’s Con Dao Islands as one of the top ten places to visit in the next 12 months.

Ho Chi Minh City launches programme on stimulating tourism

NDO – The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism launched a programme on stimulating tourism in December and 2019, promising to bring fresh experiences for visitors travelling to the city.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR