Buddhist followers nationwide witnessed the UN Day of Vesak quietly without ostentatious celebrations. Instead, some lanterns were lit up inside pagodas and a few faithfuls took part in the ‘Bathing the Buddha’ ritual.

Vesak is traditionally followed by Buddhists in South and Southeast Asia as well as Tibet and Mongolia. It is considered the most important Buddhist festival – the celebration of Buddha’s birthday and his enlightenment.

It is also a time to reflect on his teachings and what it means to be a Buddhist. Vesak is celebrated once a year with a ceremony called Bathing the Buddha, the most important ritual.
The notice of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic was hung on the main gate of the West Lake Temple, Tay Ho district (Phu Tay Ho).  Photos: kinhtedothi

Management Board of Quan Thanh Temple, Ba Dinh district, also announces the suspension of religious activities to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
Outside Quan Su pagoda, Hoan Kiem district, some banners on pandemic prevention propaganda posters are also placed. Functional forces are on duty to remind people not to gather in a large crowd.
However, some Buddhists still gather in front of Quan Su pagoda, paying homage to Buddha from a distance. Therefore, the functional forces have a busy day reminding followers to refrain from concentrating in a large crowd.   
In order to meet the desire of Buddhists to express their respects to Buddha, monks in Pho Linh pagoda (Quang An ward, Tay Ho) decided to set up a Buddha altar at the front gate of the pagoda, thus, preventing the concentration of the faithfuls inside the relic.
Many followers wait for their turn to conduct the “Bathing the Buddha” ritual. 

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