The seven lotus flowers, representing the first seven footsteps of Buddha after his birth, will be lit throughout the Vesak season, bringing a unique and gentle beauty to the Huong River.

I happened to come across a Facebook post of a friend currently living in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It read, “seeing seven blooming pink lotus flowers celebrating Vesak on Nhan Co Lake reminds me so much of my hometown - Hue, where Ngu Mountain and the Perfume River reside.”

A large number of monks, nuns, Buddhists and tourists attended the Buddha procession from Dieu De Pagoda (Bach Dang Street) to Tu Dam Pagoda (Su Lieu Quan Street, Hue City) on the afternoon of June 1 (April 14 of the Lunar calendar).

For tourists from all over the world and Hue people, Vesak day (Buddha’s birthday) is an annual event as well as an indispensable spiritual practice with a variety of celebration activities.

On the morning of May 23 (5th of the 4th lunar month, of the year of the Cat), the Board of Administration - The Organizing Committee of the Vesak 2567 in Thua Thien Hue Province performed the rite of launching of seven lotus lanterns onto the middle of the Huong River to celebrate the major occasion.