Vesak Day Celebration 2025

For many Vietnamese Buddhists, Vesak Day Celebration 2025 is a spiritual journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment, reaffirming their commitment to living a virtuous and compassionate existence.

Vesak Day Celebration 2025

Vesak Day, also known as Buddha's Birthday, is an annual event on April 15 of the lunar calendar celebrated by Buddhists around the world to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.

Temples and pagodas across Vietnam hold special prayer services and ceremonies to commemorate Vesak Day. These rituals typically include chanting of Buddhist scriptures, meditation sessions, and Dharma talks delivered by monks and spiritual leaders.

Vesak Day is an annual event celebrated by Buddhists around the world to commemorate the birth

Activities to celebrate on this day

In Vietnam, Vesak Day is celebrated with a myriad of activities and rituals that reflect the country's rich Buddhist heritage and cultural traditions.

Visiting pagodas to pray and celebrate

Visiting pagodas is a central activity for many Vietnamese on Vesak Day. Devotees flock to these sacred sites to pray, meditate, and participate in the festive atmosphere. It’s a time for reflection as well as celebration, with the community coming together to honor the Buddha's life and teachings. The air is filled with the sound of bells and chants, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance.

Visiting pagodas is a central activity for many Vietnamese on Vesak Day

Partaking in vegetarian meals

Many Vietnamese Buddhists observe Vesak Day by abstaining from meat and consuming vegetarian meals as a gesture of compassion and non-violence towards all living beings. Vegetarianism is seen as a way to purify the body and mind, aligning with the Buddhist principle of ahimsa (non-harming). 

On Vesak Day, Vietnamese pagodas serve free vegetarian meals, embodying Buddhist compassion and community spirit. Alongside, street vendors and restaurants join in, offering vegetarian food to the needy, spreading joy and solidarity through shared meals and the collective embrace of generosity.

People believe in practicing vegetarianism and doing good things on Vesak Day

Releasing captive animals

Another common practice during Vesak Day Celebration is the release of captive animals as an act of merit-making and compassion. Fish, birds, turtles, and other animals are often released into bodies of water or open spaces, symbolizing the liberation of all sentient beings from suffering.

Buddhists hold the belief of loving all living beings

03 Big pagodas in vietnam for tourists to visit

Vietnam is home to numerous pagodas and temples where Vesak Day is celebrated with great fervor and devotion.

Tran Quoc Pagoda (Hanoi)

Located on the picturesque West Lake in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam. On Vesak Day, the pagoda hosts elaborate ceremonies and cultural performances, attracting visitors from near and far to witness the festivities amidst serene surroundings.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam

Thien Mu Pagoda (Hue)

Situated on the banks of the Perfume River in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. Vesak Day is observed with solemnity and reverence at this historic site, with devotees offering prayers and lighting incense as a gesture of devotion.

Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh city)

As one of the largest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a popular destination for Buddhists and tourists. During Vesak Day Celebration, the pagoda hosts vibrant ceremonies and cultural performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam's southern region.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a popular destination for Buddhists and tourists

Vesak Day Celebration in Vietnam is a time of reflection, reverence, and joyous festivities. Book a Vietnam tour now to join in the celebration and experience the spiritual essence of Vesak Day and majestic pagodas.