The organizing committee announced the three-day dharma assembly aims to provide a space for contemplation, peace, and community connection during the new year transition. On the night of 31/12, fireworks, lantern offerings, and stupa circumambulation will occur. On 1/1/2026, participants will engage in contemplation and prayers to alleviate life's stresses. The activities on 2/1/2026 will include prayers, dedication of merit, and ancestor remembrance.

Thousands of Buddhists and local residents have registered for the dharma assembly, with the largest numbers coming from areas such as Ha Noi, Phu Tho, and TP HCM. The program is open to all, without discrimination based on religion or level of spiritual practice.

Dakini dance during a dharma assembly in 2/2025. *Photo: Giang Huy*

Mandala Tay Thien stupa, located west of the Tay Thien national relic site, is Vietnam's largest Vajrayana architectural work, bearing the distinct mark of Himalayan Buddhism. The complex features a clear central-peripheral axis, comprising the main stupa, auxiliary stupas, a monastery, a lake, and surrounding landscapes. The stupa regularly hosts dharma assemblies at the beginning of the year, conducted by the Drukpa lineage monastic community, featuring rituals such as the unveiling of the thousand-eyed, thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara thangka and lamp offerings for national peace and prosperity.

The Drukpa lineage is an important branch of Vajrayana Buddhism originating in India. Its spiritual leader, Jigme Pema Wangchen, was born in 1963 into a renowned family of Vajrayana practitioners. With over 40 years of teaching the Dharma globally, he has initiated humanitarian projects and promoted numerous volunteer groups focused on environmental protection, relief efforts, education, medical services, and heritage preservation.

Hong Chieu