The Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha chapter in Quang Ninh province conducts a spiritual ceremony to pray for national peace and harmony, February 21, 2021. (Photo: truyenhinhdulich.vn)

Activities included a royal seal ceremony and an incense offering ritual.

Venerable Thich Dao Hien, Deputy Head and Chief Secretary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Quang Ninh Chapter, said, “Traditionally, we wish peace, good health and all the best for the nation.”

“We also send messages to Buddhists and others  to be more aware of COVID-19 prevention. Because of the pandemic the Buddhist Sangha serves the legitimate spiritual needs of the people through online activities,” said Venerable Thich Dao Hien.

The Yen Tu Spring Festival, which usually opens on the 10th day of the first lunar month, has been cancelled this year because of the epidemic.

A Buddhist sanctuary on Yen Tu Mountain was the birth place of the Vietnamese Zen Buddhism, founded by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong (1258 - 1308).

The area attracts millions of domestic and foreign visitors for pilgrimages and Buddhist ceremonies annually.