Vesak 2019: International delegates enjoy festive venue

Most Venerable Karchung from Bhutan (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – International delegates, monks and Buddhist followers are together enjoying the festive atmosphere and beautiful landscape of Tam Chuc pagoda in Ha Nam province, where the celebration of the 16th UN Day of Vesak 2019 is taking place.

Bangladeshi Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury, who attended 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 potential for tourism. Anyone would like to visit such a place like this,” said Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury.

He expressed his impression of how well Vietnamese Buddhist followers of different sects, and non-religious people get along with each other.

“This is the first time I have visited Vietnam and a religious festival. Before I came here, I thought different Buddhist sects have different traditions. But I have to change my idea when I see them all unite and enjoy the rituals and religious activities together,” the Bangladeshi delegate said.

Enjoying the venue’s beauty, Most Ven. Karchung from Bhutan said it’s a fortune for him to attend the 16th UN Day of Vesak in Ha Nam as he can meet Buddhist followers from all over the world and see them all get together and enjoy the festival.

“This is the first time I have ever attended a Vesak Day. I’m highly appreciated Vietnam and the organising Committee for this 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 from Thailand said he is most impressed with the safety and security at the 16th UN Day of Vesak in Vietnam.

“This place is tremendous. Religious people come here from all over the world, obtain and observe different culture, philosophy at peace. We face no difficulties at all during our stay here,” said Venerable Jnanasrer Bahkku.

The Thai monk also expressed his appreciation for the logistic staff, particularly the volunteers, saying they were very much helpful at the airport and the festival venue.

“The volunteers are very helpful. They took their responsibility very seriously. They are like ambassadors to tourists and guests,” he said.

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the year’s most sacred day to the millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha passed away.

The UN’s commemoration of Vesak has been held for three times in Vietnam so far. Previously, it took place in Hanoi in 2008 and the northern province of Ninh Binh in 2014.

The 16th United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 brings together 1,650 international delegates from 112 countries and territories worldwide.

According to the organisation, free tours will be offered to international delegates to Vietnam’s iconic spiritual and natural landscapes, namely Trang An-Bai Dinh, Yen Tu, Fansipan Sapa after the festival, aiming to showcase Vietnam’s tourism potential to international friends.-VNA