Local flavor

Largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates Lord Buddha’s birthday

Thousands of local people gathered on May 30 at Phap Hoa Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City in the largest lantern releasing ceremony in order to pray for peace on the occasion of Lord Buddha's 2567th birthday.

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1 June, 2023

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largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 2 — Around 6,000 people arrive at Phap Hoa Pagoda to take part in the ritual.

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 3 — The crowd hold lanterns in front of the pagoda gate.

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 4

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 5 — Monks and nuns from the pagoda prepare nearly 6,000 lanterns specifically for the festival, distributing them for free.

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 6 — Lotus-shaped lanterns glow bright in the canal. Legend has it that when Buddha was born he walked seven steps forward, with a lotus flower blossoming under his feet each time.

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 7

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 8

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 9 — People stand along the canal as they watch the lanterns glowing in the night.

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 10 — Some people release birds as a way of celebrating Lord Buddha’s birthday.

largest lantern releasing ceremony celebrates lord buddha s birthday picture 11 — The lantern releasing ceremony held at Phap Hoa Pagoda is considered to be the largest in Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of Lord Buddha’s birthday celebration.