Hanoi (VNA) - The diversity of religious activities, includingfestivals, clearly demonstrates that the right to freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam is guaranteed in line with Article 24 of the 2013 Constitution whichstipulates that everyone shall enjoy freedom of belief and religion, and canfollow any religion or follow none; and the State respects and protects the freedomof belief and of religion, according to insiders.

Statistics from the grassroots culturedepartment under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism showed that thereare 7,966 festivals held in Vietnam every year, including 544 religious ones. Religious festivals are held with strictrituals and ceremonies in accordance with religions’ regulations.

Each religion has its own beliefs andsystem of doctrines, canons, and rituals, which are characteristics todistinguish this religion from the others. However, in Vietnam, althoughbeliefs and religions have different origins and principles of practice, thereis no severe conflict. On the contrary, these religions interact with eachother and connect with surrounding communities, which is a unique feature ofbeliefs in the Southeast Asian country.

It can be said that religious festivals in Vietnam, in addition to possessingsacredness like everywhere else, also have their own strong sense of community.

Important festivals of religions are heldon an increasingly large scale, attracting the participation of a large numberof followers and people, and receiving respectful congratulations from leaders ofthe Party, the State, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the support to ensuresocial order and safety from local authorities.

Big religious festivals include Vesak Daymarking the birth anniversary of the Buddha, Christmas, La Vang PilgrimageFestival, Kate Festival of Cham Brahman followers, and Cao Dai region’s grandritual dedicated to the Duc Chi Ton (Supreme Being) or Great Father who theybelieve to be the ancestor of the world.

According to a survey by the US-based Pew ResearchCentre, Vietnam is among the 12 countries in the world and six in the Asia-Pacificregion with very high levels of religious diversity.

The Government's Committee for ReligiousAffairs said that the country currently has 26.5 million religious followers, accountingfor 27% of the population. Of the total, Buddhism has more than 14 millionfollowers and 18,544 places of worship, and Catholicism has over 7 millionfollowers and 7,771 places of worship.

In the 2003-2022 period, the number ofdignitaries, sub-dignitaries, and worship facilities has increasedsignificantly. In 2003, Vietnam recognised six religions with 15 organisations,17 million followers, about 20,000 places of worship, 34,000 dignitaries, and78,000 sub-dignitaries. By 2022, it recognised 16 religions with 43organisations, 26.5 million followers, more than 53,000 dignitaries, about 135,000sub-dignitaries, and over 29,000 places of worship.

It is worth noting that among the 16recognised religions, there are nine imported into Vietnam from foreigncountries in different historical periods such as Buddhism, Catholicism,Protestantism and Brahman.

The State ensures and creates conditionsfor religious organisations to establish religious training facilities and opentraining classes. The country currently has 62 religious trainingestablishments in 36 provinces and cities./.