In preparation for this year's Vesak, monks and disciples gathered at the Dieu De Pagoda on Bach Dang Street on Monday to prepare decorations.
Every year, Dieu De Pagoda hosts rituals associated with Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Thua Thien-Hue.
A disciple at the pagoda hangs a lantern in the bell tower.
Vesak is conducted yearly on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, which is May 15 this year, to commemorate the day of the Buddha's birth. Since 1999, the celebration has been considered by the U.N. to be a world cultural-spiritual celebration.
About four kilometers away, a tribune is installed at Tu Dam Pagoda to prepare for the celebration. Tu Dam Pagoda will host Vesak celebrations on May 15.
Truong Tien Bridge over the Huong River is decorated with lotus-shaped lanterns. On May 14, thousands of Buddhists would cross the bridge as part of the ceremony.
The Da Weir, which connects Le Loi and Nguyen Sinh Cung streets, are full of Buddhist and national flags.
Seven lotus lanterns are lit up and placed 150 meters apart on the Huong River. Legend has it that when Buddha was born, he walked seven steps forward and at each step, a lotus flower blossomed under his feet.
Vesak, besides its religious rituals, also includes other social aspects like art performances and vegan cuisine.
