THE SOLEMN CELEBRATION OF THE GREAT VESAK FESTIVAL B.E. 2570 AT NGOA VAN SACRED SANCTUARY

Amidst the tranquil space of the Ngoa Van heritage land - where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong entered Nirvana, the Grand Celebration of the Buddha's Birthday (Vesak) BC.2570 took place in a solemn, pure, and joy-filled atmosphere. Thousands of Venerable Monks and Nuns, distinguished delegates, along with Buddhists and tourists from all directions united their hearts towards the Compassionate Father Shakyamuni Buddha. 

The auspicious witnessing presence of the Venerable Sangha and the attendance of distinguished Guests

The ceremony was solemnly conducted according to the traditional rituals of Vietnamese Buddhism. The Organizing Committee respectfully introduced the auspicious witnessing presence of the high-ranking Sangha: Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet - Vice President of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), Head of the Central Buddhist Education Board, President of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hanoi, Head of the Executive Board of the VBS in Quang Ninh Province, Member of the 15th National Assembly; Venerable Thich Thanh Lich – Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the VBS in Quang Ninh Province; along with the Venerable Monks and Nuns in the Standing Committee of the Executive Board of the VBS in Quang Ninh Province and the Venerable Monks and Nuns who are abbots of monasteries throughout the province.

Panoramic view of the solemn space, brilliantly adorned with flags and flowers of the Grand Celebration of the Buddha's Birthday BC.2570 at Ngoa Van Zen Village

On the side of government delegates, scholars, scientists, and businesses, the Organizing Committee respectfully welcomed: Lieutenant General Tran Minh Le - Director of the Training Department, Ministry of Public Security; Lieutenant General Vu Hai Trieu – Former Deputy General Director of the General Department of Security, Ministry of Public Security, along with the generals of the People's Public Security from Thai Binh hometown; Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Thi Thu Ha – Deputy Director of the Tran Nhan Tong Institute, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Dr. Bui Huu Duoc – Former Director of the Buddhist Affairs Department, Government Committee for Religious Affairs; Mr. Luc Thanh Trung – Director of the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Quang Ninh Province. Representatives of local leadership: Mr. Vu Manh Huyen - Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Council of An Sinh Ward; Mr. Bui Trieu Duong - Deputy Secretary, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Khe Ward; Mr. Vu Van Tuan - Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Mao Khe Ward; Mr. Pham Cong Hoan - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Trieu Ward. Representatives of accompanying partners: Mr. Tran Dinh Lam - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ngoa Van - Yen Tu Cultural Tourism JSC; Mr. Le Trong Thanh - Deputy General Director of Tung Lam - Yen Tu Development JSC.

High-ranking Venerable Monks and Nuns along with high-level delegates from the Ministry of Public Security, government agencies, and local authorities solemnly attending the ceremony

The Grand Celebration also welcomed the large participation of press and media agencies, Buddhists from near and far, university students from the Capital, and Laotian students studying at Ha Long University.

Spreading the message of Compassion and the sacred Bathing of the Buddha Ritual

In the quietude of the entire congregation, the assembly listened to the Reading of the Buddha's Birthday Message from the Supreme Patriarch of the VBS and the Grand Celebration Speech from the Most Venerable President of the Executive Council of the VBS. Immediately after the congratulatory speech from the Government representative, the core spiritual rituals were conducted.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet reading the Grand Celebration Speech of the Most Venerable President of the Executive Council of the VBS

Amidst the warm, echoing sound of chanting sutras celebrating the Buddha's Birthday in the sacred space, the traditional Bathing of the Buddha ritual took place with deep emotion. Streams of people, orderly and leisurely, advanced to the ceremonial platform, respectfully offering pure water to wash the statue of the newborn Buddha. This is a sacred moment for every child of the Buddha to entrust their wishes for personal purification, shedding sorrows, greed, anger, and ignorance, and directing their hearts towards awakening and peace.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet and the Venerable Monks and Nuns respectfully conducting the chanting ritual, directing their hearts in gratitude towards the Compassionate Father

Words of gratitude from the Organizing Committee

The Grand Celebration of the Buddha's Birthday BC.2570 at Ngoa Van Zen Village concluded perfectly with a solemn Dedication of Merit ritual. The Organizing Committee would like to express its deepest gratitude to the Venerable Monks and Nuns, government authorities at all levels, coordinating units, media agencies, and all Buddhists and tourists from all directions who did not mind the long distance to attend.

The traditional Bathing of the Buddha ritual taking place in a sacred atmosphere 

Respectfully wishing the Venerable Monks and Nuns a peaceful and light Dharma body, and the lamp of wisdom to forever shine. Respectfully wishing the delegates, guests, and all Buddhists and tourists from all directions to always be peaceful, happy, prosperous in all endeavors, and always sheltered in the compassionate light of the Buddhas of the ten directions!

The joy and radiant smiles of Laotian students (Ha Long University) at the spiritual and cultural festival of Ngoa Van heritage

Ngoa Van sincerely thanks you and looks forward to seeing the congregation again in the next auspicious seasons!