Solemn opening ceremony and Buddha bathing at Dai Tue Pagoda on the occasion of Buddha's birthday

The ceremony was presided over by Most Venerable Thich Tho Lac - Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province, abbot of Dai Tue pagoda, with the participation of monks and Buddhists of the pagoda.

Due to the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dai Tue Pagoda has set up a small altar, Buddha worship activities take place quickly, Buddha bathing rituals are performed sequentially, large gatherings are not organized, ensuring minimum distance and wearing masks, using disinfectant during the ceremony.

After the opening ceremony, Venerable Thich Tho Lac and monks and Buddhists respectfully performed Buddha bathing to celebrate the birthday of Buddha Shakyamuni.

Venerable Thich Tho Lac - Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Nghe An Buddhist Sangha, abbot of Dai Tue Pagoda, performs the Buddha bathing ritual. Photo: Phuong Nam

This year's Buddha's birthday takes place under the conditions of the epidemic, so it is expected that on the morning of April 15th of the lunar calendar (May 7, 2020 of the solar calendar), the Buddhist Executive Committee of Nghe An province will organize the Buddha's birthday program, with a limited number of less than 20 people and no flower car procession and welcome art programs... and livestream the ceremony on the Fanpage "Nghe An Buddhism" or "Tung Lam Diec Co".

In addition to the concentrated activities, to create conditions for Buddhists to have the conditions and wishes to perform the rituals to celebrate Buddha's birthday, the Executive Committee of Nghe An Buddhism has asked Buddhists to perform Buddhist rituals at home; in which, it is encouraged to hang Buddhist flags, banners celebrating Buddha's birthday in front of the house, set up Buddha's birthday in front of the Buddha altar or in the worship room; connect with family to follow the online program (livestream) of the Executive Committee of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha and organize the chanting of the Buddha's birthday ritual and conduct the Buddha bathing. Or you can burn incense in front of the Buddha or ancestral altar; spend 15 minutes meditating to remember and show gratitude for the moment of birth...