A virtual requiem will be held on Wednesday connecting Quan Su pagoda in Hanoi, Giac Ngo pagoda in Ho Chi Minh city, and the A1 Cemetery in Dien Bien province.

Giac Ngo pagoda in HCMC was the first pagoda to organize an online service that includes the recitation of Buddhist scriptures and prayers of filial gratitude. Most Venerable Thich Nhat Tu, head of Giac Ngo pagoda, said followers have been informed that the pagoda will not hold a live service or prayers at the pagoda this year. People can attend online services instead.

Bang pagoda in Hanoi is scheduled to hold online services on the pagoda’s fanpage and on Youtube. Phuc Khanh pagoda in Hanoi will receive followers’ prayers via Zalo and email. Ba Vàng pagoda in Quang Ninh province says  followers can register for online services and receive instructions by email for worshiping at home.

Do Nhu Quynh, a Buddhist follower in Ha Dong, Hanoi said: “It’s no matter whether the festival is held live or online. Our affection, love and gratitude for our parents are the most important.”

Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, said: “We should understand the true meaning of the Vu Lan ceremony. We pay gratitude to our ancestors in our hearts and minds, not by burning votive papers and making offerings.”

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will organize a virtual Vu Lan service and requiem on Wednesday connecting Quan Su pagoda in Hanoi, Giac Ngo pagoda in Ho Chi Minh city, and the A1 Cemetery in Dien Bien province. Monks and Buddhist followers will pray for ancestors and war martyrs on social media to comply with social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.