Tens of thousands of the Cao Dai Church followers and dignitaries on February 7 gathered in the southwestern province of Tay Ninh to join an annual grand ritual dedicated to the Duc Chi Ton (Supreme Being) who they believe to be the ancestor of the world.

Attending the event were also representatives of the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs and leaders of Tay Ninh province.

Speaking at the event, Monsignor Thuong Tam Thanh, head of the Executive Council of the Cao Dai Tay Ninh Church called on followers to lead a pure life and exert efforts to share difficulties with other people in society.

The same day, 26 booths were also organised to showcase photos on activities and ancient stories of the church, helping visitors understand the religion more clearly.

Founded in 1926 in Tay Ninh province, the Cao Dai religion worships the Divine Eye, known as the eye of heaven and a symbol of its supreme being. Cao Dai’s doctrine honours the Divine and the miraculous quality of supreme spirits, and considers them as the means for human beings to unify with the God. It is now the third largest religion in Vietnam with over 46,000 followers nationwide.-VNA