The event, valued at over 600 million VND (about USD 24,000), provided free meals, gifts, school supplies, and medical services to local residents.
Organizers said the aim was to bring warmth and encouragement to children and families facing hardships in the highlands community.
More than 1,000 children received Mid-Autumn gift sets containing lanterns, mooncakes, milk, snacks, and balloons.
In addition, 700 students from Trần Hưng Đạo primary and secondary school and Chu Văn An primary school were awarded school supplies, clothing, and 14 bicycles to support their studies.
Fifteen food stalls served 1,000 free meals ranging from sticky rice and spring rolls to vegetarian drumsticks, popcorn, sweet soup, and rice paper salad.
Volunteers and Buddhists from Phap Dat Pagoda prepared the dishes, aiming to make the festival memorable for children in remote areas.
The celebration also featured lion dances, magic shows, music performances, and quiz games led by characters Cuội and Hằng Nga, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Beyond children’s activities, 300 disadvantaged households collected essential goods such as rice, noodles, oil, sugar, vegetables, and clothing from “zero-cost” booths. Meanwhile, 150 elderly residents received free medical check-ups, medicines, and haircuts.
Local residents expressed gratitude. “Thanks to this program, the children at home enjoyed food, fun, and gifts. We elderly people received enough essentials for a month and even medical advice,” said Kpă H’Ni of Ama Knik village.
Venerable Nun Thích Nữ Tâm Thành, Abbess of Phap Dat Pagoda, said the initiative was the largest ever organized for her hometown.
“Although preparations took a year, seeing the smiles of the people made all the efforts worthwhile. We hope these gifts inspire faith and determination to overcome difficulties,” she said.
Trịnh Văn Lương, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ayun Pa Ward Party Committee, presented a certificate of merit to the pagoda, noting that such support provides vital encouragement for poor households, particularly among ethnic minority communities.
The event highlighted not only the joy of lanterns and mooncakes but also the enduring Vietnamese tradition of solidarity and compassion, bringing hope of a brighter future for Ayun Pa’s children and families.