Ceremony marks 99th birthday of Hoa Hao Buddhism’s founder hinh anh 1Deputy head of the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs Tran Tan Hung (L) presents flowers to congratulate Hoa Hoa Buddhists on the founder - Huynh Phu So's 99th birthday at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)

An Giang (VNA) – The Central Executive Board of the Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha held a ceremony in southern An Giang province on December 31 to mark the 99th birth anniversary of the Hoa Hao Buddhism’s founder – Huynh Phu So.

At the event held at An Hoa Tu Pagoda in Phu My town of Phu Tan district, deputy head of the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs Tran Tan Hung congratulated Hoa Hao followers on the founder’s birthday (the 25th day of the 11th lunar month, 1920).

Since the Hoa Hao Buddhism came into being 79 years ago, followers have always adhered to its guidelines, upheld the traditional patriotism and solidarity, and contributed to the nation.

Hung added their social and charitable activities have helped affirm the Hoa Hao sect’s national unity spirit, which is also part of the teaching of its founder Huynh Phu So.

Nguyen Tiec Hung, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in An Giang, appreciated Hoa Hao Buddhists’ patriotism, solidarity and support of national development.

He noted that in 2018, the sect’s dignitaries and followers have involved in many charity activities, including building bridges and roads in rural areas, reducing poverty, and raising education promotion funds. Hoa Hao followers in the province have donated over 100 billion VND (4.3 million USD) to charity work, thereby helping with local development.

There are more than 2 million Hoa Hao Buddhist followers across Vietnam at present, with An Giang home to the biggest number of the followers. -VNA
VNA