PANO – Three big cultural and artistic programmes praising Budda’s merciful and humane life will take place during the UN Vesak Day 2008 to be held in Vietnam from May 13 to 17.

The most impressive programme falls on the evening of May 16 at the National Convention Centre, Hanoi, with a 45-minute-chorus symphony played by about 100 musicians, a chorus of 100 singers and around 60 dancers. The newest works by well-known overseas Vietnamese Nguyen Thien Dao will be performed in this evening.

The merciful and humane life of Buddha will be staged in the “Buddha’s Life” play on May 15 by director Hoa Ha and performed by Ho Chi Minh City’s Cheo (reformed theatre) artists.

On May 14, there will take place a traditional Buddhist singing and dancing peformance.

According to the organisational board, 1,500 people in 600 delegations from 95 nations and territories have so far registered to join the UN Vesak Day.

During their stay in Vietnam, delegates and Buddhist monks and nuns are to contemplate landscapes associated with Buddhism in Vietnam. On the closing evening, participants will light candles to pray for peace.

Translated by Mai Huong