From early morning on May 3, thousands of monks, Buddhists and people from all over have flocked to Thanh Tam Pagoda (Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City), to see with their own eyes the merits of Buddha Shishi Ca Mau Ni, the sacred festival that has just been praised by the Indian government.
According to the reporter's records, the flow of people to the pagoda is increasing, forming long lines in the waiting room area. Every hour, hundreds of people are guided and led by the organizing committee to enter the area of worship to perform the worship ceremony. Not only Buddhists and monks in Ho Chi Minh City but also many people from neighboring provinces have gathered here to attend this special spiritual event.
Sharing with reporters, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan (65 years old, from Long An) said: "I heard that the Buddha's favor was invited to Thanh Tam pagoda, so I asked my son to take me there at 2am. This is a rare opportunity that a Buddhist like me would like to worship once. Coming here early so that I can calmly pray for the family peace and happiness".
Similar in spirit, Mr. Tran Van Hung (50 years old, living in Binh Tan district) expressed: "I am not a pure Buddhist but always respect Buddha. When I heard the news, I took the opportunity to go early to avoid the crowded scene. To see the benefits with my own eyes is a very lucky thing, I feel more secure in my soul".
Under the enthusiastic guidance of volunteers, people patiently lined up, moving in an orderly manner to the waiting area and waiting for their turn to worship. The organizers said that the opening time for worship at Thanh Tam pagoda lasts from March 3 to noon on May 8, from 6am to 10pm every day. The morning of June 6 will be reserved for delegates attending the 2025 United Nations General Day of theves.
Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Vice President and General Secretary of the National Organizing Committee for the Great S passing of Vesak Festival of the United Nations 2025, said that after a period of restoration at Thanh Tam pagoda, the relics of Buddha Thich Ca Mau Ni will be paid in worship at Ba Den Mountain (Tay Ninh province) from May 8 to May 13, then will continue the journey to Quan Su pagoda (Hanoi) from May 13 to May 16 and Tam Chuc pagoda (Ha Nam) from May 17 to May 21, before being returned to India.
The Vesak 2025 Ceremony is an event by the International Organization Committee of the Vesak Buddha Ceremony of the United Nations (ICDV) and the Vietnam Buddhist Church. This is the fourth time Vietnam has been honored to host this important international Buddhist event, after successful organization in Hanoi (2008), Ninh Binh (2014) and Ha Nam (2019). It is expected that Vesak 2025 will attract the participation of representatives from 85 countries and territories, taking place from 6.5 to 8.5 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City.
