The Buddhist religion is prevalent in Asia, including in Viet Nam where around 50% of the population is Buddhist.  Therefore, Vesak Day, commonly known as 'Buddha's Birthday', is one of the most important religious festivals in Viet Nam.  The day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

Vesak Day at a pagoda in Da Nang

Vesak Day, which falls on the 15^th day of the 4^th month of the lunar calendar and therefore on 10 May this year, is celebrated throughout the country by Buddhist followers through various activities and events.

Followers gather in front of pagodas to observe and listen to the Religious Rites Vesak message, as well as to the speech given by the head monk of the pagoda.  Afterwards they offer free food and gifts to the children and the needy.

When night falls, the atmosphere of the festival becomes more exciting with parades along main streets. Animals are set free, and flower garlands and coloured lanterns are floated on rivers in order to help the wandering souls of people who have drowned.

Releasing balloons and pigeons for peace and safety throughout the year

Water plays an important part in the festival as images of the Buddha are bathed to signify spiritual purity.  During this cleansing ritual, which involves bowing and offering a prayer, a ladle is filled with water and poured over the Buddha statue.  The meaning of the rite is purification of your own soul.

The Buddha was born into the royal family as Prince Siddhartha about two thousand six hundred years ago in Northern India, now known as Nepal. Although Siddhartha was a prince, he was deeply troubled by the unjust caste system and the harsh facts of birth, old age, sickness and death.  He left the palace and embarked on a spiritual quest.  After 6 year of ascetic practice, Siddhartha attained full enlightenment and as a result was known as the Buddha, in another word the awakened one. The Buddha gained insight into the nature of Dependent Origination which states that everything is interdependent. He realised the cycle of life and death is brought about by karma and our life is conditioned by the law of Cause and Effect.

(Source: Da Nang Today/ Internet)