Next: 16 Aug 2027
Vu Lan
The Vietnamese festival of filial piety and the wandering spirits, on which people pin a rose in thanks to their parents.
When is Vu Lan in 2027?
Vu Lan 2027 is on Monday, 16 August 2027. Other years: 2026, Thursday, 27 August 2026; 2028, Sunday, 3 September 2028.
About Vu Lan
Vu Lan, the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, is a Buddhist and folk observance with roots in the story of Mogallana, who released his mother from suffering through offerings made to monks. Today it is Vietnam's day to honour parents. People go to pagodas, where those whose mothers are alive pin a red rose to their clothing, and those who have lost their mother wear a white rose. Monks lead prayers, and families give food to the poor and make offerings at home. The month is also the time when the gates of the underworld open and the wandering spirits are fed, with paper money, rice and fruit. The festival is widely kept in Vietnamese communities abroad.
Vu Lan dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Vu Lan date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, 27 August 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, 16 August 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, 3 September 2028 |
What is eaten
- vegetarian meals
- cháo
- sticky rice
Also part of it, and being written: Ullambana (The Buddhist sutra behind the day.), Mogallana (The disciple whose story is told.), Hungry ghost (The wandering spirits fed on the night.).
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Vu Lan" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.