Authorities of the southern province of An Giang and over 25,000 followers of Hoa Hao Buddhism celebrated the 96th birth anniversary of the sect’s founder, Prophet Huynh Phu So on January 4.

In her speech, Chairwoman of the provincial chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Tran Thi Thanh Huong hailed the Central Executive Committee of Hoa Hao Buddhism and relevant units for developing a united sect working in line with the Constitution and law.

Delegates at the celebration. (Photo: baoangiang.com.vn)

This year, local Hoa Hao Buddhism followers contributed more than 135 billion VND (6.1 million USD) to charitable activities, contributing to the provincial socio-economic development.

On the occasion, Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Hoa Hao Buddhism Nguyen Tan Dat was awarded with the Prime Minister’s certificate of merit for his dedication to charity and the sect.

Another six individuals were also honoured for their contributions to the sect.

Hoa Hoa Buddhism currently has 391 executive committees in 17 cities and provinces and over 2 million followers nationwide, mostly in An Giang.

Source: VNA