The Hanoitimes - The Thang Long Citadel, which has witnessed Hanoi’s 1,000 year history, will host a series of Buddhist celebrations from July 27 to August 2 to acknowledge the capital city’s millennial anniversary.
Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Board, said that the activities are to pay tribute to the founders of Thang Long-Hanoi and Vietnamese Buddhism, as well as those who sacrificed their lives for national liberation.
The celebrations will begin on July 27 with a procession carrying tablets that belonged to King Ly Thai To, the founder of Hanoi and Van Hanh, a Buddhist monk who raised the King after his mother had died giving birth, to the Thang Long Citadel.
Later the same day, a procession carrying Buddha’s sari from Quan Su pagoda, the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, to the Citadel, where a talk on the history of Buddhism and Thang Long-Hanoi will be held.
The official opening ceremony will be held on July 28, followed by an exhibition showcasing Buddhist ancient artifacts and works of fine art.
A ceremony will also be held at the citadel on July 29 to pray for peace and the people as well as a requiem for fallen combatants on July 31.
The closing ceremony will be on the evening of August 2.
BTA