Over the last few days, a number of events have been held in Da Nang to celebrate Buddha’s birthday and the second time that Viet Nam has hosted the United Nations Day of Vesak.

Here are some photos, taken by our reporter Minh Tri, which show the joyful atmosphere of this special festival in the city.

Hoang Sa Street near Linh Ung Pagoda decorated with an inflatable arch and traditional Buddhist flags

Visitors to Linh Ung Pagoda

The magical Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue in the moonlight

Seven giant artificial lotus flowers floating on the Han River to symbolise the 7 steps that Gautama Buddha took after he was born

The flowers at night

A decorated stage at Hai Chau District’s Phap Lam Pagoda

Buddhist monks, nuns and followers attending a traditional Buddhist ritual at the Phap Lam Pagoda …

… and at Thanh Khe District’s Ky Vien Pagoda.

Flower-decorated vehicles gathering at the Tien Son Sports Arena ready for a street parade through the city

One vehicle decorated with flowers and a statue of the baby Buddha

The flower-decorated vehicles at night