VietNamNet Bridge – Famous Buddhist temples in Hanoi and HCM City are crammed, full of people who come to pray for good fortune in the Year of the Cat.

The Lunar New Year is the time when Vietnamese people to go to Buddhist temples and pagodas to pray for happiness and good fortune in the new year. During this time, the first lunar month, which often falls on February, temples and pagodas are always full of people.

VietNamNet captures the festivity at some pagodas in Hanoi and HCM City.

Quan Su, one of the most famous pagodas in Hanoi, organizes its Spring Festival

on every sixth day of the first lunar month.

The pagoda attracts thousands of Buddhist followers and visitors.

Fires and smokes always rise sky-high at the place for burning votive papers.

The Tay Ho (West Lake) Buddhist temple is also crammed.

It is very difficult to bring offerings inside the temple.

Pilgrims have to carry offerings on their heads.

Offerings are displayed in abundance inside the temple. It is a great challenge for

pilgrims to recognize their offerings.

Many people cannot get inside the temple. They have to pray from outside.

Small temples on the yard are surrounded by hundreds of people.

Everyone tries to elbow into the crowd to approach temples to

place small change before praying for good fortune.

The festivity is a good opportunity for pickpockets.

This is also a business opportunity for lottery ticket sellers.

Phuc Khanh temple attracts thousands of people.

Vendors sell gas lighters and salt very well because Vietnamese

people think that it is good to buy fire and salt early in the year.

Vinh Nghiem pagoda in HCM City.

Astrology books are sold in front of the gate of Pho Quang pagoda in HCM City.

Some release birds to wish for good luck.

Some buy vegetarian food.

Locals earn a lot of money for parking service.

Anh Le