Ho Chi Minh City is gearing up to host the 20th United Nations Vesak celebration from May 6 to May 8, 2025. This significant event will welcome delegations from 80 countries and five territories, bringing together approximately 2,700 delegates, including around 1,250 international guests from 85 nations. The theme for this year’s celebration is "Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development."
According to Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the celebration marks an important opportunity to showcase Vietnam's peaceful, friendly, and united spirit to the international community. He emphasized that this event will affirm Vietnam's consistent policy of respecting and ensuring the freedom of belief and religion, as well as highlighting the achievements of various religious communities in the country over the past 50 years since reunification.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Hall of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy, located in the Le Minh Xuan campus of Binh Chanh district, Ho Chi Minh City. This year’s Vesak celebration is expected to feature various activities, including cultural and social events, workshops conducted in both English and Vietnamese, and exhibitions that reflect the unique characteristics of Vietnamese Buddhism.
On May 3 and 4, 2025, a significant event took place as the Buddha's relics, a national treasure of India, were opened for worship at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Binh Chanh district. This marked the first time these relics were brought to Vietnam, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to pay their respects. The relics are expected to attract even more attention with over 1,000 delegations and more than 50,000 individuals registered to worship the Heart Relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc.
As the preparations for Vesak 2025 progressed, the city worked closely with the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to ensure every detail was meticulously managed. On May 2, 2025, Duong Ngoc Hai, the Standing Vice Chairman of the City People’s Committee, welcomed the Buddha’s relics alongside prominent leaders of the Vietnam Buddhist Church, including Great Elder Hoa Thuong Thich Tri Quang and Venerable Master Thich Thien Nhon.
In conjunction with the Vesak celebration, a Vietnamese Buddhist cultural exhibition officially opened on May 5, 2025. This exhibition, organized by the Central Cultural Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, features information about 87 national treasures of Vietnamese Buddhism, which are being introduced to the public for the first time. The theme of the exhibition is "Vietnamese Buddhist Culture: Language - Dharma Costume - Architecture - Heritage," showcasing various cultural elements such as rituals, traditional musical instruments, scriptures, woodblocks, and tea ceremonies.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are artifacts that vividly illustrate the role of Buddhism throughout Vietnamese history, reflecting influences from the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties in shaping the identity of Vietnamese Buddhism. The public can admire a dynamic recreation of Buddhist cultural elements, including dharma costumes and imperial decrees, contributing to a deeper understanding of the rich heritage of Buddhism in Vietnam.
Furthermore, a remarkable feature of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the world's largest Buddhist flag, measuring 500 square meters. This flag, sewn according to international standards and adorned with five traditional colors—blue, yellow, red, white, and orange—symbolizes the 2,569-year history of Buddhism. It stands as a powerful emblem of solidarity, compassion, and peace, perfectly aligning with this year’s Vesak theme.
As Vesak 2025 approaches, excitement is palpable among the local Buddhist community and international delegates alike. The event not only celebrates the teachings of Buddhism but also serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse cultures. Venerable Thich Thien Nhon expressed optimism that the celebration would enhance the global community's appreciation for the contributions of Buddhism to peace and sustainable development.
In summary, the 20th United Nations Vesak celebration in Ho Chi Minh City promises to be a monumental occasion, showcasing Vietnam's commitment to religious harmony and cultural exchange. With an array of events planned, including the worship of significant relics and a comprehensive exhibition of Buddhist heritage, the celebration is set to leave a lasting impact on all participants.
