Deputy PM guides preparations for 2014 Vesak
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked relevant authorities and localities to closely work with each other to ensure security and safety for the United Nations Day of Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday, Enlightenment and Passing Away).
Celebrations for the 2014 Vesak will take place in the northern province of Ninh Binh from May 7-12, said Deputy PM Phuc at a meeting with leaders of several ministries, branches and localities, and representatives of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) regarding the organisation of the event.
Phuc was informed that plans for security, traffic safety and fire prevention have been devised.
The government’s Committee for Religious Affairs has partnered with ministries, branches and localities to guide the VBS in carrying out essential tasks.
Under the theme of "Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals", the event, to take place in Bai Dinh pagoda, is being organised by the VBS in collaboration with the International Council for the Day of Vesak.
The event is expected to welcome around 5,000 guests, including 1,500 from 95 countries and territories worldwide.
This will be the second time Vietnam has hosted the event. In 2008, the Vesak celebration in Hanoi was attended by over 600 Buddhist delegations from around the world.