Vu Lan Festival 2027 (15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month) – Vu Lan is a major Buddhist festival originating from the legend of Bodhisattva Maudgalyayana saving his mother. In Vietnam, this is the season of filial piety, an occasion for descendants to express their profound gratitude for the sacrifices and upbringing of their parents and ancestors.
Quick Facts
- Date: 15th day of the 7th Lunar Month: August 16, 2027
- Location: Pagodas nationwide
- Admission: Free
- Key Activities: Vu Lan filial piety celebrations, rituals for the full moon of the 7th lunar month
Event Schedule
- The full moon day of the 7th lunar month in 2027 falls on August 16, 2027, on the solar calendar.
- The Vu Lan festival season at pagodas usually takes place throughout the entire 7th lunar month.
Highlights & Rituals
- Rose-pinning ceremony: a red rose for those whose mothers are still alive, and a white rose for those whose mothers have passed away.
- Releasing floating lanterns for prayers and chanting the Vu Lan sutra of filial piety.
- Ancestral worship rituals and offerings to wandering souls / hungry ghosts (forgiveness of sins for the deceased).
Prominent Destinations
- Hanoi: Quan Su Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Phuc Khanh Pagoda.
- Hue, Ho Chi Minh City: Tu Dam Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Viet Nam Quoc Tu.
Tips for Pagoda Visitors
- Pagodas become exceptionally crowded on the evening of the 14th and throughout the full moon day (15th of the lunar month).
- Dress modestly and respectfully, maintaining reverent decorum in the sacred temple grounds.
Schedules and activities are subject to change depending on announcements from the organizing pagodas. Solar dates are converted from the lunar calendar.
