A solemn ceremony to celebrate Buddha's 2558^th birthday took place at Da Nang’s Linh Ung Pagoda on Tuesday morning.

At the event, the city’s Buddhist monks, nuns and followers observed a minute’s silence to commemorate the late President Ho Chi Minh, the heroic martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation, and the martyrdom of Vietnamese Buddhist monks.  In addition, invited guests took part in a bird release to wish for peace, happiness and prosperity throughout the year.

The city’s Buddhist dignitaries took the opportunity to appeal for Buddhist monks, nuns and followers at home and abroad to lead good secular and religious lives, as well as continue their efforts to further promote happiness, peace and prosperity to the Sangha, and the country as a whole.

On Monday afternoon, the Buddhist Sangha visited and laid wreaths at the 2 September Peace Monument to commemorate the heroic martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.