LookAtVietnam – More than 400 Buddhist artworks, kung-fu performances, a tea ceremony, and calligraphy are on show at a cultural event to mark the upcoming birthday of the Buddha.

Exhibition draws attention: The Venerable Thich Nhuan Tam introduces visitors to artworks for sale.

The artworks, that will be on display until Friday, a day before the Buddha’s 2553rd birthday, include wooden and stone statutes of the Buddha, paintings on paper, leaves, and wood and, calligraphy by popular artists like Mai Tuan, Truong Thin, Truong Han Minh, Le Thua Khien, and Bui Hien.

The event is being organised by monks and artists from La Pagoda in Go Vap District and the Cultural Palace.

Besides an auction to sell the artworks, there will be concerts, including cai luong (reformed opera), by artists and singers.

The Venerable Thich Nhuan Tam, head of the pagoda, said through the programme he wants to teach the younger generation about the traditional culture.

The exhibition, to run until Friday, will also raise funds for disadvantaged people.

The pagoda was built in 1995 using thatch and locals called it La (leaf) Pagoda. Later, thanks to contributions by monks and artists, it was rebuilt using brick.

Every year the pagoda organises cultural programmes to raise funds to support poor people in rural areas.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News