The United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 will feature several landmark events, including the inaugural exhibition of 87 national Buddhist treasures and a grand Buddhist flag-raising ceremony with a 500m² flag.
On the afternoon of May 2, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) held a press conference at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City to announce details about Vesak 2025.
Venerable Thich Duc Thien
Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Deputy President and General Secretary of the VBS’s Executive Council, emphasized that Vietnam seeks to assert its global standing through Vesak 2025, while also promoting the country’s image, culture, and people as peaceful and compassionate.
Earlier that morning, the sacred Vesak 2025 celebrations began with a ceremonial procession to escort Buddha relics, which concluded successfully and left a lasting impression on both monks and devotees.
Venerable Thich Duc Thien confirmed that preparations are nearly complete. The organizing committee has received a high number of registrations from both local and international delegates, including 1,300 representatives from 85 countries and territories. This strong participation reflects global recognition of Vietnam's role in hosting Vesak 2025.
The organizing committee prepares to exhibit Vietnam’s national Buddhist treasures at Vesak 2025
“Many heads of state have registered to attend, highlighting Vietnam’s position on the world stage,” he shared. “The celebration of the 50th anniversary of national reunification has also inspired international guests to visit Vietnam - this is a very positive signal.”
The Vesak 2025 celebration will include a diverse array of cultural activities such as seven musical performances, a flag-raising ceremony featuring a 500m² Buddhist flag, and a lantern night festival with thousands of participants. Additional programs including academic seminars, artistic showcases, and spiritual rituals will take place throughout the event.
For the first time, the 87 national Buddhist treasures of Vietnam will be exhibited and officially unveiled. A symbolic hot air balloon will also be present for visitors to sign, marking their participation in the grand occasion.
Images of several Buddhist national treasures to be showcased at Vesak 2025
Most Venerable Dr. Tampalawela Dhammaratana, Executive Vice President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), praised Vietnam’s meticulous preparations and organization for the event.
“This is the first time the UN Day of Vesak will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of national reunification,” said Nguyen Duy Tan, Director of the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City. “We must remain determined to host this event safely and successfully, showcasing a peaceful and friendly Vietnam to the world.”
Most Venerable Dr. Tampalawela Dhammaratana, Executive Vice President of the ICDV, commends Vietnam’s organization of Vesak.
Main Vesak 2025 events include:
May 2: Procession and enshrinement of Indian Buddhist relics at Thanh Tam Pagoda, Lang Le Park, and the Vietnam Buddhist Academy (Le Minh Xuan campus, Binh Chanh District).
May 3: Opening of relic veneration at Thanh Tam Pagoda (Binh Chanh) and the enshrinement of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s sacred heart relic at Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda (District 10).
May 4: Opening of Buddhist cultural exhibitions at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy campus; grand flag-raising ceremony with a 500m² Buddhist flag at 9 a.m.
May 6: Official inauguration of the 2025 UN Day of Vesak.
May 7: International academic conference of Vesak.
May 8: Closing ceremony and afternoon cultural tour at Ba Den Mountain Cultural Complex (Tay Ninh).
May 9: Farewell and departure of international delegates.
Vietnamnet.vn
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