Hue, with its historic Huong River and Ngu Mountain, is adorned with flags and flowers in early May to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. Tourists and locals alike gather at Nghinh Luong Dinh wharf to admire the seven enormous lotus flowers floating serenely on the river.
The launch of giant lotus flowers
Each lotus flower measures 7.6 meters in diameter, nearly 4 meters in height, and weighs 300 kilograms. They are spaced 20 meters apart along the center of the river, creating a stunning visual tribute to Buddha’s first steps.
According to Buddhist scriptures, over 2,568 years ago in what is now Nepal, Prince Siddhartha (later Buddha Shakyamuni) took seven steps at birth. With each step, a lotus flower bloomed beneath his feet, signifying his noble path. The lotus has since become a symbol of Buddhism and is prominently featured in Buddhist rituals.
The seven lotus flowers on the Huong River symbolize peace and prayers for happiness for Vietnam. This annual tradition, initiated in 2008 after Vietnam’s first United Nations Vesak Celebration, has become a cherished part of Hue’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
Each lotus flower is equipped with its own generator, ensuring a steady light source and maintaining safety without disrupting waterway traffic.
The Thua Thien Hue Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has organized a series of activities to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday, continuing until May 22. These include parades, Buddha bathing ceremonies, fish releases, and visits to families who contributed to the revolution, enriching the festive atmosphere in Hue.
The lotus flowers are lit up at night