Thousands of people flocked to Phap Hoa Pagoda in District 3 in HCM City on May 30 to attend a lantern releasing and praying ritual on the occasion of Buddha's Birthday.

Release of lanterns is seen as a meaningful act in Buddhism. When candles are lit, people pray for peace of mind for themselves and everyone else.

Buddha's Birthday is in the fourth lunar month, commemorating the day Buddha Shakyamuni was born in the 7th century (BC).

This is considered the most important event for Buddhists across the world. The ceremony of releasing lanterns is held by Phap Hoa Pagoda every year on the occasion of Buddha's birthday, which is the largest lantern festival in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns, worshippers, and local people join the event aimed at marking Lord Buddha’s birthday, which falls on the eighth to the 15th day of the fourth lunar month every year, or June 2 this year.
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Around 6,000 people arrive at Phap Hoa Pagoda to take part in the ritual.

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The crowd hold lanterns in front of the pagoda gate.
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Monks and nuns from the pagoda prepare nearly 6,000 lanterns specifically for the festival, distributing them for free.
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Lotus-shaped lanterns glow bright in the canal. Legend has it that when Buddha was born he walked seven steps forward, with a lotus flower blossoming under his feet each time.
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People stand along the canal as they watch the lanterns glowing in the night.

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Some people release birds as a way of celebrating Lord Buddha’s birthday.
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The lantern releasing ceremony held at Phap Hoa Pagoda is considered to be the largest in Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of Lord Buddha's birthday celebration.


Nguyen Hue