An exhibition showcasing Buddhist and traditional artworks opened on February 8 in Ho Chi Minh City’s Pho Quang Pagoda as part of celebrations of the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

Themed “Spring of the South”, the event exhibits nearly 900 photos, sculptures, and antiques owned by more than 30 Vietnamese and foreign artists and collectors.

According to Venerable Thich Phuoc Tien, deputy head of the municipal Buddhist Culture board, the festival provides an opportunity for the citizens to have a full understanding of the traditional culture through Buddhist art works.

Over 2,000 years of development, Buddhism has associated closely with Vietnamese nation and culture.

Buddhism constitutes the largest religious community in Vietnam with over 12 million followers, 40,000 monks and nuns, and almost 15,000 temples, monasteries and other places of worship.

The event, organised by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in HCM City, will run until March 5, the 15 th day of the first lunar month.-VNA