Seven lotus lanterns on the Huong River lit up to celebrate Buddha's birthday

Seven lotus lanterns being lit up on the Huong River

Seven lotus lanterns are placed 150m apart from each other on the Huong River, the section between Phu Xuan Bridge and Da Vien Bridge. Each lotus lantern is 3.2m high, nearly 8m in diameter. With a total of 168 lotus petals, each of it is made from pink silk fabric.

The giant lotus lanterns represent the meaning of welcoming the 7 lotus steps manifesting the birth of the Buddha. After a two-year absence due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 7 lotus lanterns were re-installed as an annual activity before each Buddha's birthday ceremony in Thua Thien Hue.

The lighting ceremony of 7 lotus lanterns is also the opening activity for the 2566th Buddha's Birthday, which is held within 8 days (May 8th – 15th). This year's ceremony includes many activities spread throughout Nghinh Luong Dinh Pavilion, Lieu Quan Buddhist Cultural Center, Dieu De national pagoda, Tu Dam Pagoda... with main programs such as: Buddhist cultural exhibition, vegetarian cuisine, flower floats parade, Moc Duc ceremony, Buddha procession, etc.

By Minh Nguyen