According to Voice of Vietnam report on 4th March, Thanh Pagoda in the northern border province of Lang Son held a ceremony this week to congratulate elderly Buddhists on their longevity and honour them for their role in raising their children.

The honoured Buddhist believers included 155 people over 70 years old – a few of them well over 100.

Thanh Pagoda has held this annual event since 2006.

The Guinness Record Book Vietnam recognized Thanh Pagoda’s 2009 ceremony to congratulate more than 240 aging people as the largest formal ceremony for old people in Vietnam.

The 13th day of the Lunar New Year has become an occasion for people to show their gratitude to their parents or grandparents.