Vietnam - Japan Buddhist cultural exchange festival takes place in Tam Chuc (Ninh Binh province)

(PLVN) - On November 15 and 16, 2025, at Tam Chuc national tourist area (Ninh Binh province), the Vietnam - Japan Buddhist cultural exchange festival was officially held, attracting the participation of a large number of monks, Buddhists and tourists from both countries.

This year's Vietnam - Japan Buddhist Cultural Exchange Festival takes place with many traditional rituals and art activities of the two countries. Spiritual programs are held throughout Tam Chuc Pagoda such as chanting at Tam The Temple, Xam singing performance, Pure Land Buddhism's flower scattering and Buddha recitation ritual, sutra copying activities with the characteristics of Japanese Buddhism, flower lantern night, morning meditation, Buddha worship ceremony at Ba Sao Pagoda, Fire Purification ceremony...

The chanting ceremony at Tam The Temple (Tam Chuc Pagoda) was held in a solemn and quiet atmosphere.

Xam singing performance at the Vietnam - Japan Buddhist cultural exchange festival on the evening of November 15.

A special highlight of the festival is the “Fire Purification Ceremony” performed by monks from the Japanese Buddhist delegation. This is a sacred ritual in the Japanese Buddhist tradition, symbolizing the removal of difficulties and the direction of good things. The fire in the ritual represents the power of purification, and at the same time reminds people to appreciate the energy of the sun, which is the element that sustains life and is considered the power to dispel diseases and bad things.

Japanese Buddhist monks perform cremation ceremony.

Japanese Buddhist monks perform cremation ceremony.

Venerable Thich Minh Quang - Deputy Chief of the Central Office of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Deputy Abbot of Tam Chuc Pagoda said: The Buddhist cultural exchange festival between Vietnam and Japan is held every two years. This year, Tam Chuc Pagoda continues to be chosen as the venue for the event. According to Venerable Thich Minh Quang, the festival not only has spiritual significance, praying for national peace and prosperity, but also helps monks, nuns, Buddhists and people understand more about the exchange in Buddhist rituals and culture of the two countries.

The Pure Land Buddhism's flower scattering and Buddha recitation ritual.

Lantern releasing ceremony on the evening of November 15.

This event also contributes to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, while promoting the image of Tam Chuc tourist area to international tourists, especially the Japanese community living and working in Vietnam.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/le-hoi-giao-luu-van-hoa-phat-giao-viet-nam-nhat-ban-dien-ra-tai-tam-chuc-tinh-ninh-binh.html