Taking place from May 6-8, 2025 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy (Ho Chi Minh City), the celebration will gather approximately 2,000 delegates from over 80 countries and territories, affirming the role and enduring value of Vietnamese Buddhism on the international stage.

Centerpiece at the Sacred Peak of Ba Den Mountain – Igniting Humanity's Faith

One of the most significant and sacred ceremonies of Vesak 2025 will be held on the evening of May 8th at the summit of Ba Den Mountain – Tay Ninh, known as the “roof of the Southern region”. The ceremony of lighting candles to pray for world peace promises to be a powerful and moving symbol, as thousands of candles illuminate the sacred space 986m above sea level.

The event is not only a religious ceremony but also a symbolic act representing the aspiration to live in peace, working together towards a compassionate, sustainable, and benevolent world.

The Vesak Journey: From Historical Milestone to Global Stature

The Vesak celebration originates from Theravada Buddhism, commemorating three sacred events in the life of the Buddha: his Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana. Since 1999, Vesak has been officially recognized by the United Nations as a global cultural and religious holiday, honoring the Buddha's message of compassion, wisdom, and peace in addressing the challenges of our time.

Through three successful organizations (2008 in Ha Noi, 2014 in Bai Dinh, and 2019 in Tam Chuc), Vietnam has not only left a mark on the hearts of international Buddhists but also affirmed its position as an ancient and profound Buddhist country.

Ba Den Mountain – A convergence of spiritual symbols for Vesak 2025

Not only a famous natural wonder, Ba Den Mountain is a point of convergence between local culture and the Buddhist spirit. On the mountaintop, the 72m-high bronze statue of the Buddha Lady Tay Bo Da Son – the tallest in Asia – and the Maitreya Buddha statue made of sandstone weighing over 5,000 tons are two structures with special spiritual symbolism.

In particular, the Sacred Relics of the Buddha Shakyamuni – enshrined from Bodh Gaya (India) – are being enshrined here, opening up a rare opportunity for monks, nuns, Buddhists, and visitors from all walks of life to pay homage.

Series of grand ceremonies at Ba Den Mountain during Vesak 2025

• Procession and veneration ceremony of the Buddha's Relics at Tay Bo Da Son Square
• Planting ceremony of 108 Bodhi trees symbolizing enlightenment and global unity
• Candle-lighting ceremony praying for world peace – the event's focal point

Spreading the message of peace, elevating Vietnam's heritage

Chosen as a key connecting point for Vesak 2025, Ba Den Mountain is not only a sacred site but also a gateway to showcasing Vietnamese Buddhism to international friends.

The Vesak grand ceremony at Ba Den Mountain will be an opportunity to spread the spirit of unity, open up a benevolent consciousness, and affirm profound humanistic values in a turbulent era.