According to Plan No. 148/KH-BTS announced by the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Ho Chi Minh City, the Vesak Week 2026 (corresponding to the Buddhist Era 2570) will take place from May 24 to May 31, 2026 (i.e., from the 8th to the 15th day of the 4th lunar month in the year of Binh Ngo). The official Grand Vesak Day will fall on Sunday, May 31, 2026 (solar calendar).

The Grand Vesak Festival (Buddhist Era 2570) is the most significant annual event in Buddhism, commemorating the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha. This is an occasion for monks, nuns, Buddhists, and the general public to turn their hearts toward goodness, seek inner peace, and practice the values of compassion and kindness.

Venues Hosting the Vesak Festival in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda

• Address: No. 242 - 244, 3/2 Street, Hoa Hưng Ward.
• Time: From May 24 to May 31, 2026.

On the evening of May 24, a palanquin procession to invite the statue of the newborn Buddha will depart from An Quang Ancestral Pagoda and move toward Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda. Immediately following, the Moc Duc ceremony (Bathing of the Buddha) will be performed. In the early morning of May 31, monasteries will simultaneously sound three rounds of the Prajna drum and bell to welcome the birth of the Buddha before the official Grand Ceremony begins at 5:30 AM.

2. Phap Hoa Pagoda

• Address: No. 870 Truong Sa Street, Nhieu Loc Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Time: Programs run from May 18 to May 31, 2026. The lantern festival will be held at 5:30 PM on May 28, 2026 (the 12th day of the 4th lunar month).

 Every evening, the pagoda organizes bon mon ritual sessions and sutra chanting. The most anticipated event is the lantern festival night, where thousands of lanterns are floated down the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal. The official Vesak Ceremony and the Bathing of the Buddha ritual will be conducted on the morning of May 31.

3. Dieu Phap Pagoda

• Address: No. 106/47/9 Binh Loi Street, Binh Loi Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Time: The lantern festival takes place at 7:00 PM on May 24, 2026 (the 8th day of the 4th lunar month). The life release ceremony will be held at 9:00 AM on May 30, 2026.

The floating lantern ceremony on the Saigon River is conducted with great solemnity, featuring sutra chanting, walking meditation, and the passing of lanterns. To ensure safety, attendees are usually required to pre-register for the program. In addition, the pagoda organizes a life release ceremony and a vegetarian buffet titled "Celebrating the Nativity of the Buddha."

4. Front Beach Triangle Area

• Address: Vung Tau Ward.
• Time: Thursday, May 28, 2026 (the 12th day of the 4th lunar month).

The program begins with a floral bicycle and electric car parade. Subsequent activities include the opening of the vegetarian food fair and the observance of the Grand Vesak Festival. The evening will be lively with a floral float procession enshrining the statue of the newborn Buddha and a celebratory musical performance.

5. Hoi Khanh Ancestral Pagoda

• Address: No. 29 Chua Hoi Khanh Street, Phu Cuong 1 Quarter, Thu Dau Mot Ward.
• Time: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (the 10th day of the 4th lunar month).

 The event is highlighted by a palanquin procession to invite the statue of the newborn Buddha, starting from the Thu Dau Mot Ward People's Committee. The procession will march through central streets such as the Nga Sau roundabout and Yersin Street toward Hoi Khanh Ancestral Pagoda, followed by the official commencement of the Grand Vesak Festival.

(Photo: Internet)