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In honor of Vesak 2025, the Tay Thien Mandala Great Stupa is hosting special Buddhist ceremonies and festivities until the 15th day of the fourth lunar month (May 12 on the Gregorian calendar).
This is the first spiritual structure in Vietnam and Southeast Asia built in the architectural style of Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism. The Vesak 2025 celebration is being held in the radiant stupa courtyard, adorned with Buddhist flags, floral decorations, and sacred symbols of enlightenment.
Highlights of the spiritual program include a grand procession of the baby Buddha statue, the ceremonial Buddha bathing ritual, and circumambulation around the Great Stupa.
The birth of the Buddha is considered a sacred and joyous occasion, celebrated with profound reverence for the enlightened one who showed humanity the path to freedom and lasting happiness.
To honor this event, many Buddhists wear elegant attire - traditional Indian dress, Vietnamese ao dai, and gray lam robes - recreating the atmosphere of the Buddha’s birth.
Children are also guided to participate in the sacred Buddha bathing ritual, performed at the feet of the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Numerous festive and educational activities for children take place during the celebration.
Pilgrims and devotees walk 108 or 54 rounds around the Tay Thien Mandala Great Stupa, each step accompanied by heartfelt prayers for global peace and the well-being of all sentient beings.
The Mandala Stupa is built on a base 60 meters in diameter and stands 29 meters tall, located at the heart of the Tay Thien Special National Relic Site in Vinh Phuc Province.
The stupa was personally designed by His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa. It is rooted in the Mandala philosophy, which symbolizes the profound connection between individuals and the world around them - helping one lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
As the first Vajrayana Buddhist structure in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, the stupa offers visitors insight into the ancient Himalayan Buddhist traditions originating from India.
The message of Buddhist calendar year 2569 from the Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is shared with monks, nuns, and devotees.
Buddhists lead a ceremonial vehicle procession with the baby Buddha statue.
A parade features the Eight Great Deeds of the Buddha, honoring his life’s most sacred accomplishments.
The floral offering ritual marks the celebration of the Buddha’s birth.
A child learns the sacred Buddha bathing practice under the Shakyamuni statue.
Children take part in joyful activities in honor of the Buddha’s birthday.
Binh Minh
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