Buzz
The United Nations Vesak Celebration 2014 will be held at Bai Dinh, Ninh Binh from May 7-11 under the theme 'Buddhism's Contribution to Achieving the UN's Millennium Goals.'
Buddha's Birthday is an international event celebrated as a public holiday in many countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia... On this day, Buddhists honor the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha through offerings, floral tributes, and listening to sermons. Additionally, people observe vegetarianism, the Five Precepts, the Four Immeasurable Minds, engage in charity work, and offer gifts or money to the less fortunate in the community.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, Buddha's Birthday is not a public holiday, but this year marks the second time our country hosts the United Nations Vesak Celebration. Following the first event held at the National Convention Center (Hanoi) from May 13-17, 2008 (April 9-13 lunar calendar), this celebration is increasingly observed nationwide by Vietnamese Buddhists with various activities such as parades, flower car processions in celebration of the Buddha's birth, and other charitable activities.
The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Central Committee plans to host this year's Vesak Celebration in Ninh Binh, expecting 10,000 attendees, including 1,500 dignitaries from 100 countries and territories worldwide.
India
On Buddha's Birthday, government offices, post offices, and banks are closed. Shops and businesses may also close or reduce their operating hours. Many Buddhists visit temples to listen to the teachings of monks. They may spend the entire day at one temple or visit several places of worship, often observing vegetarianism during the festival. Many people also engage in charitable acts such as almsgiving to beggars, helping the poor, and releasing animals.
Myanmar
Buddha's Birthday is also known as Kason Day in Myanmar. Kason is the second month in the Myanmar lunar calendar. It is the hottest month of the year, so during the festival, people reverently place pots of pure water on their heads and pour them over Bodhi trees at monasteries. They water the Bodhi trees to express gratitude for sheltering the Buddha during his meditation days before enlightenment.
China
In China, Buddhism was once the dominant ideology for governments and people in some dynasties. However, nowadays, Buddhism has less influence in Chinese society. Buddha's Birthday is celebrated within temple compounds and is not as widely observed as before.
Thailand
Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country, has hosted the United Nations Vesak Day Celebration multiple times. In Thailand, Vesak is a national holiday known as Visakha Bucha Day.
Japan
Buddhism arrived in Japan in the late 6th century and became the predominant religion in the medieval and early modern periods. Today, its influence on daily life is less pronounced. Buddha's Birthday is often associated with cherry blossom festivals, limited to temple grounds and Buddhist communities.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Buddhism is the state religion. During Vesak festival time, people have public holidays. In addition to religious rituals and prayers, the Vesak festival includes many cultural festivities. During the festival days, all liquor shops and slaughterhouses are closed. People release a large number of animals, such as birds and fish. Almsgiving is highly regarded, with visits to orphanages and nursing homes to distribute gifts. People often wear white clothes and visit temples to participate in traditional ceremonies, with many staying at temples all day and observing the Eight Precepts.
During this time, vegetarian dishes are widely available for sale. Most Buddhist households decorate with Buddhist flags, lanterns, and candles... Many public places host various festival programs. Among them, the procession of the Buddha's relics leaves a lasting impression and evokes strong emotions for participants. The Buddha's relics are honored atop lavishly decorated elephants in vibrant South Asian-style colors, followed by thousands of Buddhists parading through the streets.
South Korea
In South Korea, Buddha's Birthday is a national holiday. The Buddha's Birthday festival takes place in many public places and on the streets. Displaying and parading lanterns is one of the most impressive and emotionally impactful programs.
In the capital city Seoul alone, it is estimated that over 100,000 lanterns of various shapes and colors have been displayed and showcased on the streets, with around 300,000 domestic and international attendees predicted for this festival.
According to VnExpress
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourJune 18, 2014
