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| Following the opening address and the chanting of the Buddha’s names and blessings, the Organizing Committee respectfully invited the Elder Most Venerable Monk Witnesses to offer incense and conduct the prayer service |
Attending to witness the ceremony were Most Venerable Elder Thich Duc Thanh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Patronage Council; Most Venerable Elder members of the Patronage Council including the Most Venerables Thich Chon Te, Thich Luu Hoa, and Thich Quang Nhuan; the Most Venerables serving as Witnesses of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in Hue City; Most Venerable Thich Khe Chon, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council, Chairman of the Executive Board of the VBS in Hue City, and Head of the Organizing Committee, along with the Most Venerable members of the Executive Board's Standing Committee; monks and nuns from pagodas, viharas, and hermitages; as well as a large number of Buddhist followers.
Representing the local government were Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Van, Member of the Standing Committee of Hue City Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairwoman of Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hue City; Mr. Le Xuan Hai, Deputy Director of Hue City Department of Home Affairs; and leaders of various municipal departments and agencies.
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| A balloon release ceremony symbolizes prayers for world peace, national prosperity, and a life of harmony and well-being for all |
Following the chanting ceremony and the festival's opening remarks, senior Buddhist dignitaries led the incense offering and prayer service. The Organizing Committee respectfully invited the Most Venerable Elder Witnesses to offer incense and conduct the prayer service. All monks, nuns, distinguished guests, and Buddhist devotees turned their minds single-mindedly towards the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva to pray for the prosperity of the nation, the enduring presence of the Dharma, world peace, and the well-being of all sentient beings.
The festival then continued with a procession featuring offerings of flowers and ceremonial gifts to Guanyin Bodhisattva, joined by community organizations, Buddhist practice groups, and devotees.
Later that afternoon, the grand offering ritual for wandering souls took place, praying for the salvation of the deceased and peace for the living.
Earlier, on July 31st, the Organizing Committee launched a series of festival activities, including a Hanh Camp, an art exhibition, a lantern-lighting ceremony, and Dharma talks.