The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha chapter in central Quang Tri province held a festival with flower garlands and coloured lanterns in Dong Ha city on April 6 to commemorate heroic martyrs fallen in the locality.

The event was also to wrap up a week-long ceremony to welcome the statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong, the founder of Vietnam Zen Buddhism.

At the festival, more than 5,000 local Buddhist followers prayed for the souls of the fallen as well as for a peaceful nation and prosperous people.

Representatives of the Sangha and provincial authorities offered incense at the statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and 72 tablets symbolising the souls of heroic martyrs who are now resting at 72 cemeteries in Quang Tri province.

Over 10,000 candles were lightened up the lanterns and flowers, which were then floated to pray for the salvation of the souls of fallen soldiers and people died during the wars.

This festival was a chance for local Buddhist followers and people to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for national independence as well as to King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong who made contributions to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism.

During the war against US imperialists, Quang Tri was the fiercest front line being hit by thousands of tonnes of bombs. Thousands of Vietnamese people laid down their lives in this land to protect the country and the peace of the world.-VNA