Vu Lan / 7th-month full moon 2026: offerings, prayers and trays

The 7th-month full moon in 2026 falls on Thursday, Aug 27, 2026 — both Vu Lan (filial piety) and the day of offerings to wandering souls.

Meaning of Vu Lan

From the tale of Mục Kiền Liên saving his mother, Vu Lan became the day to honor parents and ancestors — a red rose for those whose mother lives, white for those who have lost her.

Three offerings

1. To the Buddha: a pure vegetarian tray.
2. To ancestors: a family meal, fruit, incense.
3. To wandering souls: outdoors — thin porridge, puffed rice, salt and rice, sweets, votive paper — usually in the late afternoon.

When to offer

Offer on the 14th–15th (Aug 26–27, 2026). Pick an auspicious hour and confirm the date on the lunar calendar.

Prayers

See the prayer collection and read what the Ghost Month avoids.