Leaders of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang from June 21-24 have visited and presented gifts to the Hoa Hao Buddhist sect’s Executive Committee, dignitaries and followers, on the sect’s 74 th founding anniversary (May 18 on lunar calendar).

The leaders praised the efficient cooperation between the sect’s Executive Committee, which is based in An Giang, with the local authorities, contributing to socio-economic and cultural development as well as security and social order in the province.

Seventy-two years ago, Hoa Hao Buddhism was founded by prophet Huynh Phu So, a native of Hoa Hao village, Tan Chau district, Chau Doc province (now Phu My town, Phu Tan district, An Giang province).
 
The religion, which advocates the practice of Buddhism at home, is thriving in 15 provinces, including the central coastal province of Phu Yen. It has more than 2 million followers and 358 executive committees and places of worship.

Home to more than 800,000 followers, An Giang province is regarded as the Holy Land of the sect.-VNA