On the evening of August 16 (July 13 of the lunar calendar), a large number of people gathered at Dieu Phap Pagoda (Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City) to attend the Vu Lan Festival. Although the number of people was quite large, there was no jostling or pushing.
Hundreds of people came to Dieu Phap Pagoda to attend the Vu Lan Festival ( Video : Cao Bach).
Vu Lan festival takes place on the full moon day of the seventh lunar month every year to remind everyone of filial piety and the kindness of their parents.
To ensure the program is held solemnly, Dieu Phap Pagoda limits the number of participants. Buddhists and people attending the ceremony must register in advance, receive an invitation from the organizers and confirm information upon entering the gate.
Due to the large number of people attending, Dieu Phap Pagoda arranged additional seating in the main hall on the 2nd floor and a large LED screen.
"Every time Vu Lan comes, I feel nostalgic about my childhood memories with my parents. For me, having my father and mother means having everything," said Ms. Dieu Huyen (living in Binh Thanh district).
The Vu Lan Repentance chanted by Buddhists during the ceremony reminds everyone of the great sacrifices of parents.
The rose pinning ceremony is one of the important rituals during Vu Lan festival. The rose color on the chest reminds us that as children we should be filial to our parents.
Each rose worn on the chest has its own meaning. Those who still have both parents choose to wear a red rose; those who have lost either parent wear a pink rose, and those who have lost both parent wear a white rose.
Amidst the melodious music and the monks' teachings, many people could not hold back their tears as they remembered their fathers and mothers.
"Remembering the times I argued and lied to my parents, I couldn't hold back my tears and realized how selfish I was. Every Vu Lan season, I feel so happy and joyful when I get to pin a bright red rose on my shirt," Ngoc Thao said.
The lanterns are lit one by one with the flower lantern releasing ceremony to pray for national peace and prosperity, and for every family to be safe and happy. This is also the moment when everyone feels peace in their thoughts, praying for peace and good things to come to themselves and their families.
Wishes and prayers sent to parents are written on flower lanterns.
After the ceremony, people and monks held lit lanterns in their hands and walked around the temple yard, mindfully walking.
To ensure safety and order, the lanterns are gathered in one place, then volunteers pass them around and release them into the river.
According to folk beliefs, Vu Lan Festival is one of the most important traditional holidays of Buddhism. This is also an opportunity for each person to express gratitude to their parents.
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