A grant ceremony was held on Jan. 30 in Huong Van Zen monastery in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue , to pray for a peaceful nation.

Superior Monk Thich Giac Dao of Thua Thien-Hue provincial Buddhist Sangha Congregation said that the event preceded activities of Huyen Tran Temple Festival 2012, with the aim to pray for a peaceful and prosperous nation, favourable weather and abundant crops.

The festival, which attracts thousands of local and international visitors annually, will officially open on Jan. 31 (Jan. 9 in the lunar calendar) at Huyen Tran Culture and Tourism Centre, with ritual and traditional activities./.