Holding a certificate proving swimming ability is among the requirements for people who are in charge of floating lanterns in Ho Chi Minh City as Buddhist followers are to celebrate Vu Lan Festival next month.

Vu Lan, a festival honoring deceased ancestors and filial piety, is observed by Buddhist followers every year on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, which falls on August 12 this year.

It is an occasion for many Vietnamese to make offerings to their ancestors and pay homage to their parents by visiting pagodas on this day.

One of the most important customs during the festival is floating lanterns, usually made of paper and in the shape of a lotus flower, on the river.

In Ho Chi Minh City, this ritual often takes place at Dieu Phap Pagoda in Binh Thanh District for every Vu Lan Festival.

The municipal Department of Transport has given the approval to the plan on organizing the activity this year from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm on August 11 with a number of stipulations.

Accordingly, lanterns must only be floated on the river area spanning 200 meters in length and 50 meters in width from the riverbank dock.

Buddhist followers must have a person holding a swimming certificate release the lanterns onto the water.

Boats used during the activity must be fully equipped with life jackets and lifebuoys, and only craft with registration certificates that meet technical safety and environmental protection requirements can be employed.

Crewmen operating the boats are required to possess all related certificates proving their professional aptitude.

In order to attend the floating of the lanterns, Buddhist followers will have to register with the organizer before August 10 or until the number of attendees reaches 600.

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