VietNamNet Bridge - Tens of thousands of Buddhists from across the country have flocked to Bai Dinh, the largest temple in Vietnam, to attend the opening celebration of Vesak 2014, the international Buddhist event that takes place from May 7 to 11.

Vesak 2014 began on Wednesday but it officially opened the following day, May 8. On Wednesday afternoon, tens of thousands of monks and Buddhists from all provinces flocked to Bai Dinh Pagoda in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District of the northern province of Ninh Binh.

This year, the 11th Vesak is integrated with the international Buddhist conference hosted by Vietnam. This is an important event that will help enhance the role of Vietnam Buddhism in international integration and confirm the position and responsibilities of Vietnam to the United Nations.

On Thursday morning, the Vesak opening ceremony took place, with approximately 10,000 participants, including nearly 1,500 international delegates from 95 countries around the world, along with tens of thousands of Vietnamese Buddhists and people.

Photo: The Buddhist flag made from fresh flowers at the Dai Bi Temple in Gia Xuan Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. It was recognized as an Asian record.

On Wednesday afternoon, thousands of Buddhists took part in a march from the city of Ninh Binh to Bai Dinh Temple.

Below are some pictures of the parade:

VNN/VNE/Zing