On the evening of May 6, Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung joined senior leaders of the Buddhist Sangha and thousands of monks, nuns, and followers in a lantern-floating ceremony as part of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City.

The ceremony took place at Lang Le Lake, following a series of spiritual rituals including walking meditation and a chanting session led by revered Buddhist monks and nuns in front of the main stage opposite Minh Chau Lecture Hall at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Binh Chanh District.

As one of the most spiritually significant events of Vesak, the ceremony gathered around 12,000 attendees, including international delegates from more than 80 countries and five territories, along with 4,000 university students from across Ho Chi Minh City.

The lantern-floating ceremony not only served as a sacred ritual but also as a powerful symbol of solidarity and a call for global peace and compassion.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, together with the monastic leaders, proceeded to the lakeside area to release the lanterns. The floating candles were arranged in the shape of Vietnam’s map, where the Minister, monks, Buddhist followers, and citizens spent time in prayer and reflection.

According to Venerable Thich Thien Nhon – Deputy Dharma Chairman, President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and Chair of the National Organizing Committee for the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak – the candlelight inside each lantern symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment. As the light is kindled, it dispels ignorance and the defilements of greed, anger, and delusion. It also represents remembrance and gratitude to ancestors and fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for national independence.

“The lantern-floating ritual is not only an act of gratitude but also an occasion for monks, nuns, and laypeople to collectively pray for the flourishing of the Dharma, peace for the nation, and harmony across the world,” said Venerable Thich Thien Nhon.

Approximately 35,000 lanterns were lit during the evening. Each candle carried a deep prayer to end war, violence, and injustice, serving as a commitment to a future that places humanity at the heart of development.

Tran Nguyen Gia Uyen, a resident of Tan Binh District, expressed deep emotion upon attending the event.
“I prayed for peace, the spreading of wisdom, and letting go of sorrow,” Uyen shared.

In the days to follow, the Vietnam Buddhist Academy will continue to host various events within the Vesak 2025 framework, including peace chanting ceremonies, Buddhist cultural exhibitions, tea meditation evenings, and academic exchanges between domestic and international Buddhist scholars.

Nguyen Hue - Dinh Tuyen