Vietnam Marks Vesak in Grand Style, with AKD

In a vibrant display of spiritual reverence and regional solidarity, Vietnam is hosting this year’s United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations on a grand scale, drawing thousands of devotees and dignitaries from across the Buddhist world.

As part of the celebrations, the sacred Buddha relics from Sarnath’s Mulaghandha Kuty Vihara in India — the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon — were ceremoniously brought to Vietnam for public veneration. The vihara, built by the great Buddhist revivalist Anagarika Dharmapala, has long stood as a symbol of the enduring Buddhist heritage that unites South and Southeast Asia.

The relics, considered among the most revered in Buddhist tradition, were warmly received by thousands of Vietnamese Buddhists who flocked to pay homage in Ho Chi Minh City, turning the city into a hub of devotion and celebration. The photo above captures the deep spiritual connection as devotees gathered around the relics, offering prayers and flowers.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Vietnam on a state visit, attending the Vesak events as chief guest, underlining the shared spiritual an
d diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka — both nations with strong Buddhist roots.

Religious Reverence Meets Regional Strategy

While deeply spiritual in nature, Vietnam’s grand hosting of Vesak also carries notable political and diplomatic undertones.

By celebrating Vesak on the international stage and welcoming sacred relics from India, Vietnam is actively endorsing its Buddhist identity, promoting national unity, and showcasing itself as a global hub for Buddhist dialogue and heritage. It’s a strategic use of cultural diplomacy — a soft power tool that allows Vietnam to strengthen ties with India, Sri Lanka, and other Buddhist-majority nations in the region.

Hosting the United Nations Vesak Day allows Vietnam to reaffirm its role in the Buddhist world while subtly countering geopolitical pressures in Asia. Strengthening spiritual and cultural bonds with like-minded nations helps Vietnam build a network of mutual respect and cooperation, particularly as it balances relations with larger powers.

A Message of Tolerance and Unity

Domestically, the grand celebrations serve as a unifying message. Despite being governed by a secular, communist state, Vietnam continues to embrace religious traditions as part of its cultural fabric. By honoring Buddhism so publicly, the government reinforces its tolerance of faith, its appreciation for national heritage, and its alignment with the values of peace, compassion, and harmony espoused by the Buddha.

As thousands gather to mark the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, Vietnam’s Vesak celebration stands not just as a religious observance, but as a carefully crafted statement of identity, unity, and diplomacy.