A traditional Buddhist ritual to mark the 2559^th birthday of Buddha (the 15^th day of the 4^th lunar month) took place at Da Nang’s Phap Lam Pagoda on Monday morning.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the local Fatherland Front Committee Nguyen Manh Hung, the municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman Vo Duy Khuong, leaders from local relevant agencies, and thousands of local Buddhist followers.

At the event, the Deputy Head of the city’s Buddhist Sangha, Most Venerable Thich Chi Man, read a message from the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Supreme Patriarch, Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue.

In his message, Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue appealed for Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers both at home and abroad to do their utmost to follow Buddha’s teachings and enhance national unity for the sake of the nation and the people’s happiness.

He remarked that Vietnamese Buddhist monks, who were sent to conduct religious missions at pagodas on the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, have significantly contributed to protecting the country's sacred sovereignty over its sea and islands.

As Buddha’s birthday this year coincided with International Children’s Day (1 June), he took the opportunity to encourage the VBS chapters across the country to become actively involved in caring for domestic children.

He also urged Buddhist monks and followers to pray for and send aid to people in the Kathmandu region of Nepal who recently suffered from a devastating earthquake.

On the occasion of the 2559^th birthday of Buddha, traditional Buddhist rituals, along with musical performances entitled 'Celebrating Buddha's Birthday', and charitable activities have been held at pagodas throughout the city.

The traditional Buddhist ritual at the Phap Lam Pagoda

Balloon and pigeon release for peace and safety throughout the year

Child Buddhist followers at the event

A dance performance to celebrate Buddha's 2559th birthday