A series of vibrant activities promoting national culture and Buddhism are taking place at a festival that opened at Pho Quang Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on January 30.

In addition to a Buddhist art space featuring statues and bonsai trees, the festival also combines a traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere through a countryside corner and a calligraphy corner, among others.

Over 400 art works including paintings, photographs, sculptures and antiques are on display at the festival. An exquisite wooden sculpture depicting the Great Buddha Sakyamunia meditating under a Bodhi tree is also on show for the first time.

According to Venerable Thich Nhat Tu from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s HCM City chapter, the festival aims to popularise Buddhism and preserve traditional cultural identity.

The festival will run until the middle of the first month of the lunar calendar.

Source: VNA