At exactly 6:00 a.m. on July 1-the first official working day under Vietnam’s newly consolidated provincial administrative structure-all Buddhist temples and monasteries across the country will simultaneously ring three rounds of bells and wooden drums, praying for national peace and prosperity.

This instruction was outlined in document No. 284 signed this morning by the Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and sent to provincial chapters and religious establishments nationwide.

The document states: “July 1 marks the inaugural day of operation for newly restructured provinces and cities following the nationwide implementation of the two-tier local governance model. This is an exceptionally historic event in the nation's journey toward a prosperous and thriving new era.”

In keeping with Buddhism’s longstanding tradition of accompanying the nation through every chapter of its history, the Executive Council’s Standing Committee called on all temples and monasteries across the country to sound three ceremonial rounds of the Prajna bell and drum at 6:00 a.m. on July 1. Monastics are also urged to conduct chanting ceremonies and spiritual rituals to promote peace and well-being, awakening the sacred spirit and unity of the Vietnamese people and land.

Earlier, for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha issued a similar directive. On April 30, all temples nationwide were instructed to raise the national flag, strike three rounds of bell and drum, chant for national peace, and dedicate prayers for those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence and reunification.

Binh Minh