Pagodas in Hanoi and HCM City were densely crowded in the Buddhist festival of Vu Lan, August 14 (the 15th day of the seventh lunar month). Vu Lan (Ullambana) festival, also known as the Amnesty of Unquiet Spirits, is held during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is believed to be the spirit month. Ullambana or Bon festival, the Festival of All Souls in Mahayana Buddhism, is celebrated on the seventh full moon of the lunar calendar in many Asian cultures as a way of honoring the dead. On this day, souls are believed to return to their former homes. The origin of the Sanskrit name of the festival, Ullambana, is uncertain but appears in early Buddhist holy writings known as sutras. These stories tell how Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, the two principal disciples of the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, saved their mothers from needless suffering after death. The original idea of this ceremony is contained in the legend of Maudgalyayana, known as Muc Kien Lien in … [Read more...] about Vu Lan festival in Hanoi, HCM City
Hanoi
The Panorama of Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary
brings to you a panorama of activities to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Hanoi as VietnamâÂÂs capital. 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi to be imposing and solemn Gargantuan âÂÂao daiâ commemorates history, tradition Plan for 1000th great anniversary of Hanoi approved Journey to mark 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long Hanoi Chatting with 1000th Thang Long â Hanoi anniversary plan writer Screenplay Award to mark 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi Documentary series about Hanoi on television 2.66 million USD for historical movie Activities to celebrate 1000th Thang Long â Hanoi anniversary Hanoi asks for $144.5 million for 1,000th anniversary projects "Hanoi â A Living Space" photo exhibition extended Hanoi ready for 1000th anniversary VietnamâÂÂs latest historical film slated for April HanoiâÂÂs millennial anniversary causes disagreement with city planners Australian gifts for the 1000th Hanoi anniversary … [Read more...] about The Panorama of Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary
Sudden parking fee hike in Hanoi raises concerns
Many people are complaining about the higher parking fees in Hanoi that have taken effect since January 1 while the city continues to lack good public transport. New parking fees have taken effect since January 1Motorbike parking fees have risen from VND3,000 (USD0.1) to VND8,000. The fees for cars are VND50,000 for the first two hours, VND45,000 from the fifth hour and VND300,000 for a whole day. Many parking lots in the centre already collected VND5,000 motorbike parking fee during the day and VND8,000 at night. Nguyen Dao at Dong Da District said, "The parking fees at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology are already VND5,000 for motorbikes during the day and VND10,000 at night. I wonder if those places will also increase the fees."Another local, Nguyen Phuong Lan from Cau Giay District said it would cost them hundreds of thousands of VND just to go to a cafe with friends or for business for a few hours. "I know that the hike is to prevent private … [Read more...] about Sudden parking fee hike in Hanoi raises concerns
English Champion 2018 for students launched in Hanoi
With theme “Liberate your talents", the competition will cover different fields such as humanity, social sciences, natural sciences and arts. Students must use English to gain new knowledge of different subjects.Candidates will take part in four rounds. The first round will be on February 3 and 4. Competitors will answer questions online within 45 to 60 minutes. A total of 400 candidates will be chosen to participate in the second round, which will take place online on March 3 and 4. In this round, the candidates will answer English questions on Science and Math.As many as 50 candidates will be chosen to the third round, which will be organised on March 18 to find the 10 best ones who will compete on speaking and giving talks in English. The five best will be chosen for the final round which will take place on April 1 to search for the most outstanding candidate.Nguyen Thi An Quyen, director of the IvyPrep, said: “We hope to provide a useful competition to the students, … [Read more...] about English Champion 2018 for students launched in Hanoi
Hanoi court to open trial for Trinh Xuan Thanh on Jan. 8
The Hanoi People’s Court will open proceedings in the trial of Trinh Xuan Thanh, former Chairman and General Director of PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation (PVC), and his accomplices accused of wrongdoings at PetroVietnam and its subsidiary PVC on January 8. A file photo of Trinh Xuan Thanh The court will judge 22 defendants who will be presented by a total of 42 lawyers, including three lawyers for Dinh La Thang, former Chairman of the Member Council of PetroVietnam, and five lawyers for Thanh.Twelve out of the defendants in the case have been charged with “deliberately violating State regulations on economic management, causing severe consequences” in line with Clause 3 of Article 165 of the 1999 Penal Code – the count that could send violators to jail for 10-20 years.Meanwhile, eight others have been charged with “misappropriating property” in accordance with Clause 4 of Article 278 of the 1999 Penal Code, which prescribes … [Read more...] about Hanoi court to open trial for Trinh Xuan Thanh on Jan. 8