Thousands Join Buddha Procession in Hue to Celebrate Vesak

Thousands of monks, nuns, and Buddhists gathered in Hue City, Vietnam, on Sunday, May 11, 2025, for a peaceful and colorful Buddha bathing ceremony and procession. The event, held by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Hue, began at Dieu De Pagoda near the Dong Ba River and concluded at Tu Dam Pagoda. It marked one of the most important Buddhist festivals of the year—Buddha’s birthday, also known as Vesak.

A Peaceful Gathering in Hue

By early afternoon, crowds filled the area around Dieu De Pagoda in Gia Hoi Ward, Thuan Hoa District. People came from different parts of Hue and nearby provinces to honor Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth. The event brought together people of all ages, many dressed in traditional blue robes, quietly standing on both sides of the street in prayer.

Ceremony Begins with Prayers and Offerings

At 5:30 p.m., the solemn ceremony began. Most Venerable Thich Duc Thanh, a senior leader of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, led the prayers. Incense was lit, and blessings were offered for world peace, national harmony, and the happiness of all living beings. He also performed the traditional Buddha bathing ritual. This act, using clean water or fragrant flowers, symbolizes the purity of body and mind.

Remembering Buddha’s Birth

According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha Gotama on the full moon day of Vesak. His birthplace was near the current border between Nepal and India. His mother, Queen Maya, passed away seven days after his birth. The ritual of bathing the Buddha’s image reminds followers of the start of his path to enlightenment.

A 4-Kilometer Procession Through Hue

After the ceremony, a grand procession carried the statue of the infant Buddha from Dieu De Pagoda to Tu Dam Pagoda. The route covered more than 4 kilometers through Hue’s historic streets. The path included Bach Dang Street, Tran Hung Dao Street, Truong Tien Bridge, Le Loi Street, and several other roads before reaching the final destination.

Streets Lined with Supporters

Thousands of people lined the streets, holding national and Buddhist flags. Many wore traditional ao dai and held flower lanterns or banners. A flower car shaped like a dragon carried the Buddha statue at the front of the procession. Fireworks were set off at various points to mark the joyous occasion.

Cultural Performances Add Beauty to the Event

One highlight was the performance of the “Six Flower Offerings” dance by monks in ceremonial dress. This traditional act expresses gratitude to the Buddha and hopes for peace and well-being for all. Monks and nuns from many pagodas in Hue took part, walking across Gia Hoi Bridge and through Dong Ba Market with flower lanterns in hand.

Young women in blue ao dai, holding flowers, joined the procession as it crossed the Perfume River on Truong Tien Bridge. The route also passed the Martyrs’ Monument—an important historical site that remembers the 1963 Hue Buddhist struggle movement.

Flower Floats and Light Displays

Dozens of flower-decorated vehicles took part in the parade. Each float carried symbols of Buddhist faith, including images of the Buddha and sacred texts. Many people stopped to take photos and watch the procession. Fireworks and glowing lanterns lit up Le Loi Street as the evening darkened.

Arrival at Tu Dam Pagoda

At around 7 p.m., the crowd reached Tu Dam Pagoda. The statue of the infant Buddha was placed at the altar. Here, more prayers and offerings took place. The following morning, on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will host a formal Vesak celebration at Tu Dam Pagoda. Later that evening, more flower floats and lanterns will parade through Hue’s city center.

A Celebration of Peace and Unity

Vesak is celebrated not only in Vietnam but also across many Buddhist countries. It is a time to reflect on Buddha’s teachings of peace, compassion, and wisdom. In Hue, the event has become an annual tradition that brings communities together. Local leaders, monks, students, and tourists all join hands to celebrate.

The celebration in Hue stands as a symbol of unity, spirituality, and the city’s deep cultural roots. It also supports Vietnam’s growing religious tourism, which has seen more visitors in recent years due to well-preserved historical and spiritual sites.