Almost 300 valuable items, including paintings, photographs, sculptures and antiques are being displayed at an exhibition on Buddhism which opened in Pho Quang pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City on January 22.

The event was held by the Culture Department of the Buddhist Sangha’s chapter in the city.

Of particular significance are an ancient prayer book written in the Khmer language on tree leaves and the artwork “Thich Quang Duc bodhisattva” by Nguyen Gia Tri, one of the country’s most revered painters. Both are being shown to the public for the very first time.

In the framework of the exhibition, the organising board arranged stalls to introduce traditional games, cooking and traditional instrument performances, thus retracing many of the cultural traits of the country’s Tet (Lunar New Year) festival.

According to Head of the Department, the Venerable Thich Nhat Tu, the exhibition is expected to contribute to preserving the country’s traditional culture values.

The exhibition will last until February 14.-VNA