VFF Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thu Ha visits representatives of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in HCM city, May 26, 2023. (Photo: L.H/thanhuytphcm.vn)

Ms. Ha, who is also VFF Secretary-General, said she believes that the Buddhist community will continue upholding the tradition of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and consolidating great national unity.

“Buddhist dignitaries and followers have contributed significantly to epidemic prevention, public healthcare, and social welfare and charitable activities," she said.

A photo exhibition opened in HCM city the same day to commemorate 60 years of Venerable Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation. On June 11, 1963, Thich Quang Duc burnt himself to protest the persecution of Buddhists by the then Saigon regime led by Ngo Dinh Diem.

Also on Friday, Buddhists in Binh Thuan province lighted seven pink lotus-shaped lanterns on the Ca Ty river. Legend has it that when the Lord Buddha was born, he walked seven steps forward and at each step, a lotus flower blossomed under his feet.