Buddha's Birthday

This tradition is tied to Vesak, the celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. The act of releasing lanterns into water symbolizes letting go of negativity, offering prayers for peace, and creating a spiritual connection with nature. Water plays a dual role: as a purifier and as a means to carry prayers and blessings across the world. The event reflects Buddhist values of mindfulness, compassion, and interconnectedness.

While this ritual is primarily spiritual, it also attracts pilgrims and tourists, contributing to the local economy. Lantern-making is a craft that supports artisans and small businesses, intertwining cultural preservation with economic sustainability.

The rivers of Vietnam are central to daily life and spiritual practices, serving as conduits for agriculture, transport, and ritual. This tradition underscores the rivers’ role as sacred spaces and their connection to community well-being. However, the ecological implications of such events, including lantern debris, necessitate sustainable practices.