Vesak will feature a ceremony to bring the Buddha’s relics from the National Museum of India, the planting of 108 Bodhi trees, and the lighting of candles for world peace on Ba Den Mountain on May 8th.
Working together, the National Organizing Committee for the United Nations Vesak Day 2025 and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha are putting on a series of spiritual ceremonies centered around the theme: “Working Together, Living in Harmony, and Including Everyone for Human Respect: Buddhist Insights for Global Peace and a Future That Lasts”.
Thousands of delegates from over 80 countries and territories will travel to Ba Den Mountain (Tay Ninh) on May 8th to participate in the following important events:
Bringing the Buddha’s Relics
For the first time in history, India’s “national treasure” will be brought to Ba Den Mountain. The relics are contained in an urn discovered by archaeologist William Claxon Peppé (UK) in the foundations of ruins at Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh state, in 1898. After carefully studying and understanding the writing on the lid, the experts concluded that these were the real and authentic remains of the Buddha.
The discovery of the relic urn at Piprahwa was a major turning point in Buddhist history, proving that Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was a real historical figure – something that had previously been doubted or denied.
In 1997, Thai Buddhists created and offered a gold-plated stupa with a top containing 109 grams of pure gold to enshrine these relics. Over many centuries, these Buddha relics have been seen as precious treasures, drawing international groups who come to venerate, meditate, and chant
The Buddha’s relics will be brought from the National Museum in New Delhi (India) to Ba Den Mountain and enshrined at the Buddhist Exhibition Center from May 8th to 13th.
Ritual of Planting 108 Bodhi Trees
Senior monks and delegation leaders from 80 countries will conduct a ritual to plant 108 Bodhi trees. This unique garden, the first of its kind in Vietnam, will have each tree named after a country, marking the presence and significance of Vesak 2025.
In Buddhist culture, it was under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, that Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. For this reason, this tree is considered symbolic of enlightenment, wisdom, and a shield of protection.
The number 108 stands for the 108 flaws or imperfections within humanity. In this garden, visitors can sit in meditation and contemplate Buddhist teachings.
Lighting Candles for World Peace
A major prayer ceremony for world peace is scheduled to be held at Tay Bo Da Son Square on the evening of May 8th. Senior monks and esteemed religious figures from around the world will light candles symbolizing the light of wisdom and compassion and wishing for world peace and happiness.
The candle lighting ceremony is not only a religious ritual but also a cultural event rich in humanistic values, expressing the aspiration for peace of the Vietnamese people and Buddhists worldwide.
A representative of the Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist area stated: “The series of spiritual events on May 8th will not only turn Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh into a world pilgrimage destination but also contribute to spreading the image of Vietnam’s peace-loving people and country.”
Ba Den Mountain, situated around 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is a notable 986 meters in height and is commonly known as the “Roof of the Southeast.” If you go about halfway up, you’ll see a system of power lines, as well as lots of pagodas, temples, and caves that are full of Buddhist culture and local spiritual traditions.