Vu Lan Festival observed in Ho Chi Minh City

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Crowds of people converge on Quoc Tu Pagoda in the evening for the prayer ceremony that begins at 7:00 p.m.

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The pagoda is packed full of Buddhist followers who come to express their gratitude to their ancestors and deliver offerings to their wandering souls.

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The ritual is normally held annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. Some localities hold the ceremony ahead of schedule.

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

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Around 2,000 lotus lanterns are lit up during the ceremony.

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Candles are lit up to show people's gratitude to their parents during the event.

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Thousands of Buddhist followers attend the ceremony at the pagoda.

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During the seventh lunar month, Buddhist followers visit a pagoda and a temple in order to worship ghosts and make offerings to the hungry spirits. Items such as food and clothes are offered, whilst animals such as birds and fish are released along with lotus lanterns to show gratitude to their parents.