At the event, an official of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs said Hoa Hao Buddhism was founded by Prophet Huynh Phu So on the 18th day of the fifth lunar month (which falls on June 12 this year) in 1939.
Since then, the Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha has popularised the principle of “following the Buddha and making self-improvement” to millions of people and maintained close connection with people across the southern region, including An Giang. Hoa Hao followers have adhered to the traditional teachings and ethical values, which has helped to promote patriotism and solidarity.
This has helped the Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha to develop stably and has joined people nationwide in cause of national development and protection, the official added.
In 2016 Hoa Hoa Buddhist followers donated more than VND363 billion (US$16 million) to charity and social works, over VND91 billion (US$4 million) of which came from followers in An Giang.
Also on June 12, the representative board of Hoa Hao Buddhism in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang held a ceremony to mark the religion’s 78th founding anniversary.
There are 397 local executive committees of Hoa Hao Buddhism in 17 provinces and cities at present, according to the Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha.
