The Indian Buddhist Festival 2014, the first of its kind held in Ho Chi Minh City, was kicked off on Friday at Pho Quang Pagoda in Tan Binh District.

It was attended by Indian Secretary of Culture Ravindra Singh, senior Vietnamese Buddhist dignitary Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, representatives from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and more than 2,500 Buddhists in the city.

“The event offers Vietnam a chance to learn more about Indian traditions, customs and culture, especially those related to Buddhism,” said Le Manh Ha, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee at the launching ceremony.

“As a result, the festival will raise mutual understanding of both nations and their people, thus help tightening their friendship and cooperation,” he added.

“Cultural exchanges between Vietnam and India developed centuries ago when Buddhism was first introduced from our country to Vietnam,” said Secretary Ravindra Singh while addressing at the opening ceremony.

The 4-day event, showcasing a series of related activities as part Indian cultural week which will last until March 15, aims at convey Buddhism’s message of non-violence and thoughtful lifestyle to the local audience.

The festival, launched at Tan Binh District-based Pho Quang Pagoda and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in District 3, was co-organized by the Ministry of Culture of India and its Vietnamese counterpart - the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Embassy of India in Vietnam, and HCMC People’s Committee.

Besides a photo exhibition, a sand paintings and butter sculpture contests will be held during the event.

The festival will also feature traditional sacred Lama Dance with masks and outfits unique to the religion’s Mahayana sect performed by Indian Buddhist monks and nuns, while dances, prayers and meditation shows will be hosted by the Vietnamese counterparts, the Voice of Vietnam reported.

Earlier, on Thursday, HCMC Museum of Fine Arts launched a Buddhism artworks exhibition, which showcased 50 artifacts and photographs depicting the life of the Buddha from birth to the moment he attained Nirvana, as part of the festival.

The event, named Dharma Darshan, retells the teachings of the Buddha's and important events in his life through masterpieces of Indian art and artifacts with many remains found in sacred places like Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Sanchi, Piprahwa, Ajanta, Nalanda, and others across India.

It is open for public viewing from 6 March 2014 to 14 March 2014 from 9 am to 5 pm every day.