Crowds of people were present in Phuc Khanh pagoda in Hanoi on August 13 to take part in a ceremony to celebrate the Vu Lan Festival. The prayer ceremony began at 7:00pm.

Phuc Khanh pagoda was packed with Buddhist followers who came to express their gratitude to their ancestors and deliver offerings to their wandering souls.

The Vu Lan Festival is held annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. The celebration took place in Phuc Khanh pagoda on August 13, the 13th day of the seventh lunar month, two days previously.

Festival goers drop lotus lanterns to pray for peace of mind.

Thousands of worshippers descend on Phu Tay Ho in Quang An ward, a popular temple in Hanoi’s Tay Ho district, to pray for peace during the Vu Lan Festival.

To mark the occasion, Buddhist followers pay a visit to pagodas and temples in order to worship ghosts and make offerings to the hungry spirits. Items such as food and clothes were offered whilst animals such as birds and fish were released along with lotus lanterns to show gratitude to their parents.

A ceremony to light up seven lotus-shaped lanterns took place in Hoi An city on August 14 as part of the celebrations for the Vu Lan Festival.

The ancient city also played host to a music gala during the ceremony.

Festival goers follow the tradition of wearing roses whilst taking part in celebrations during the Vu Lan Festival.

Foreigners were excited at being able to witness and enjoy the festival.

Worshippers drop their lotus lanterns into a river and pray for peace.

Viettimes/VOV