Most Venerable Karchung from Bhutan (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Internationaldelegates, monks and Buddhist followers are together enjoying the festiveatmosphere and beautiful landscape of Tam Chuc pagoda in Ha Nam province, wherethe celebration of the 16th UN Day of Vesak 2019 is taking place.
Bangladeshi Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury, whoattended the event, said he is impressed with the landscape of Tam Chuc pagoda,highlighting the place as a spiritual space and a tourist attraction.
“Tam Chuc pagoda looks just like a paradise.Actually, it is like the best paradise. I believe this place has much potentialfor tourism. Anyone would like to visit such a place like this,” said SanjoyBarua Chowdhury.
He expressed his impression of how well VietnameseBuddhist followers of different sects, and non-religious people get along witheach other.
“This is the first time I have visitedVietnam and a religious festival. Before I came here, I thought differentBuddhist sects have different traditions. But I have to change my idea when Isee them all unite and enjoy the rituals and religious activities together,”the Bangladeshi delegate said.
Enjoying the venue’s beauty, Most Ven. Karchungfrom Bhutan said it’s a fortune for him to attend the 16th UN Day ofVesak in Ha Nam as he can meet Buddhist followers from all over the world andsee them all get together and enjoy the festival.
“This is the first time I have ever attendeda Vesak Day. I’m highly appreciated Vietnam and the organising Committee forthis opportunity. You bring so many Buddhist followers around the world here.Actually, you help bring happiness to many people and peace to the world.”
Meanwhile, Venerable Jnanasrer Bahkku fromThailand said he is most impressed with the safety and security at the 16th UN Day of Vesak in Vietnam.
“This place is tremendous. Religious peoplecome here from all over the world, obtain and observe different culture,philosophy at peace. We face no difficulties at all during our stay here,” saidVenerable Jnanasrer Bahkku.
The Thai monk also expressed hisappreciation for the logistic staff, particularly the volunteers, saying theywere very much helpful at the airport and the festival venue.
“The volunteers are very helpful. They tooktheir responsibility very seriously. They are like ambassadors to tourists andguests,” he said.
"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moonin the month of May, is the year’s most sacred day to the millions of Buddhistsaround the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago thatthe Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attainedenlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha passed away.
The UN’s commemoration of Vesak has beenheld for three times in Vietnam so far. Previously, it took place in Hanoi in2008 and the northern province of Ninh Binh in 2014.
The 16th United Nations Day of Vesak 2019brings together 1,650 international delegates from 112 countries andterritories worldwide.
According to the organisation, free tours willbe offered to international delegates to Vietnam’s iconic spiritual and naturallandscapes, namely Trang An-Bai Dinh, Yen Tu, Fansipan Sapa after the festival,aiming to showcase Vietnam’s tourism potential to international friends.-VNA
