Hundreds of lanterns strung across the grounds of Ninh Tao Pagoda (Ha Nam province) cast a shimmering light during the Vu Lan festival held last weekend. Buddhists were moved as roses were pinned to their chests.
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| On the evening of August 22nd (the 9th day of the 7th lunar month), the Vu Lan festival was held early at Ninh Tao Pagoda (Ninh Tao village, Thanh Binh commune, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province) to commemorate the merits of parents in giving birth and raising their children. |
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| As a famous Buddhist site in Ha Nam province, Ninh Tao Pagoda attracts a large number of Buddhists and local people to attend ceremonies. |
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| Hundreds of lanterns are strung throughout the temple grounds, creating a dazzling and colorful atmosphere. |
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| Venerable Thich Dao Duyet, abbot of Ninh Tao Pagoda, along with monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers, performed solemn rituals to commemorate the merits of parents in raising and nurturing their children. Venerable Thich Dao Duyet also designed and staged the lantern displays at Ninh Tao Pagoda as well as many major events of the Vietnam Buddhist Association. |
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| Vu Lan is an important Buddhist festival, a grand celebration of filial piety towards grandparents, parents, and ancestors. Therefore, many children attend the ceremony with their parents to listen to teachings about filial piety and the gratitude owed to their parents for giving them life and raising them. |
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| The most important part of the Vu Lan festival night is when young women appear carrying baskets of roses, ready to pin them onto the chests of the attendees. |
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| Many Buddhists are moved when roses are pinned to their lapel. A red rose is given to those who still have both parents. A pink rose is given to those who have lost either their mother or their father. Those who have lost both parents wear a white rose. |
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| Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong (36 years old) pinned a red rose to her 9-year-old son's chest. Ms. Phuong said this is the third year she, her husband, and their son have traveled from Ha Dong (Hanoi) to Ninh Tao Pagoda to attend the Vu Lan festival. "I am fortunate to still have both my parents, and to be able to pin a red rose on my chest. Every time I attend the ceremony, it moves me deeply," Ms. Phuong shared. |
According to VNE
