1. At over 3 AM in the grounds of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City (Binh Chanh district), a large number of volunteers were present to sweep and pick up trash, preparing for a new day of activities within the framework of the United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025.
At 58 years old, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lu (residing in Hoc Mon district) enthusiastically swept and cleaned each area while chatting with us: “I have participated in supporting major Buddhist festivals and today I am honored to contribute to the success of the 2025 Vesak Grand Ceremony. The joy of contributing makes me forget all the hardships and feel truly at peace. For me, every moment here is a practical way to practice the Buddha's teachings, live a useful life, and serve the world.”
Not far away, in the kitchen area, a bustling atmosphere prevailed. Members of the logistics team busily prepared supplies, pre-processed vegetables and other food items to prepare thousands of meals for delegates attending the grand ceremony. The work started at over 2 AM and lasted until after 9 PM, but Vo Tuong Duy (born in 1997, residing in District 12) said: "Standing in the kitchen these days makes me very happy." Each dish, each simple bowl of rice and soup, was carefully prepared with dedication by Duy and the team members, as he said: "I hope each meal will warm the hearts of Buddhist followers and international friends."
Duy recounted that since 2015, he has considered participating in volunteer activities during holidays such as Buddha's Birthday, Vu Lan Festival, or meditation retreats at temples as an integral part of his life. Despite his busy office job, he took five days off to wholeheartedly support the 2025 Vesak Celebration, an event he calls a "great opportunity in his life." For Duy, every moment spent volunteering is also a chance to cultivate good karma and enrich his spiritual journey amidst everyday life.
Across the kitchen, Ms. Ha Thi Thu Dung (born in 1964, residing in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province) busily works beside a pan of boiling oil, her hands nimbly frying golden-brown vegetarian dishes. Although they've only known each other for a few days, Ms. Dung feels: "Here, everyone, even strangers, feels like family, helping each other out. When praised for the delicious food, no matter how tired I am, I feel refreshed immediately." Prior to this, since 2012, Ms. Dung has also participated in charitable kitchens at mental hospitals and nursing homes.
2. Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City from March 3rd to 5th, Ms. Pham Thi Xuan (born in 1960, residing in Quang Binh province) took on the logistical work for the grand ceremony. In the kitchen area, she and other members meticulously and carefully arranged each meal into boxes. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but a smile always graced her lips. “Contributing a small part to the grand ceremony makes me feel very excited and happy. I'm tired, but I'm more joyful because I clearly feel I'm doing something meaningful for the community,” Ms. Xuan confided.
As noon approached, the crowds of people from all over flocked to Thanh Tam Pagoda (Binh Chanh District) to venerate the relics of the Buddha. Under the scorching sun, volunteers in their green shirts diligently fanned out along the paths, kindly welcoming and guiding each group of people to line up neatly for worship. After guiding them in the line, Quach Thanh Danh (born in 2004, a student at Van Lang University) gently fanned the elderly people who were sweating profusely with his conical hat. "I registered to participate in this activity because I love Buddhism and want to contribute a little of my youthful energy to help people have a good experience when attending the grand ceremony," Danh shared.
While visiting the relics of the Buddha, Ms. Vo Thi Dieu (born in 1957, residing in Hoc Mon district) was deeply moved by the sight of volunteers diligently assisting amidst the bustling crowds. For her, it was the dedication and gentleness of these unsung heroes that contributed to the success, allowing each Buddhist like herself to fully experience the joy of attending this important ceremony.
On the afternoon of May 7th, the Ho Chi Minh City Police announced that they have mobilized various units, including traffic police and fire prevention and control police, to ensure security and order, manage traffic flow, and provide fire prevention and control measures for the 2025 Vesak Grand Celebration, which will take place from May 6th to 8th in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Police have implemented comprehensive measures and mobilized maximum resources to ensure absolute safety for the grand ceremony. Specific plans have been developed and implemented, focusing on the areas where the ceremony takes place, key routes, and areas prone to traffic congestion.
The Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police proactively developed detailed scenarios for security, escorting delegations, commanding and regulating traffic in the area where the grand ceremony took place and the access roads; closely coordinating with functional forces and the organizing committee of the grand ceremony to develop flexible traffic flow and regulation plans, ensuring a safe and smooth route for delegates, monks, Buddhists and citizens attending the event.
Regarding fire prevention and control, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police has developed plans to handle fire and explosion incidents and conduct rescue operations at the event venue and surrounding areas. Fire prevention and control police forces have also intensified fire safety inspections in these areas to prevent unfortunate incidents from occurring.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-tam-long-phung-su-tham-lang-post794208.html
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