Dozens of heartfelt and serene images themed around Buddhism captivated visitors at the photo exhibition and awards ceremony for the art photography contest Buddhist wisdom: Human dignity and peace, a key cultural event during the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025.

The opening ceremony was co-hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Photographic Association and the Vietnam Institute of Buddhist Studies.

According to Doan Hoai Trung, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Photographic Association, the contest received nearly 1,450 entries from 216 photographers after just over two months of launching.

Submissions were judged on their alignment with key themes such as the humanistic values of Buddhism, peace and harmony, Buddhist cultural heritage, Buddhism’s influence on life, Vesak commemoration, and nature and the environment.

Winning photos stood out for their authenticity, emotional depth, and the inner peace they inspired in viewers.

Second Prizes were awarded to Cao Thi Thanh Ha for 60th anniversary of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc and Huynh Buu Tinh for Celebrating Buddha’s birth at Vietnam Quoc Tu.

Third Prizes went to Dang Hong Long for Compassionate embrace, Nguyen Hong for Lantern release, and Tu The Duy for Lantern blossoms.

The exhibition runs from May 3 to 9 at Lang Le Cultural Park, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

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Venerable Thich Nhat Tu presents certificates of recognition to contest winners.

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“Buddhism in the digital age” by Dinh Cong Tam won First Prize.

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“60th anniversary of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc” by Cao Thi Thanh Ha

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“Celebrating Buddha’s birth at Vietnam Quoc Tu” by Huynh Buu Tinh

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Refreshing new year – Chol Chnam Thmay by Bui Quoc Sy

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The artisan breathing life into Buddhist wood sculptures by Dao Kim Thanh

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Lantern release on the river by Nguyen Hong

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Compassionate embrace by Dang Hong Long

Opening of the Buddhist Culture Festival

The opening ceremony of the Buddhist Culture Festival in celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 also took place at Lang Le Park, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

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Venerable Thich Tri Chon delivers the opening address.

Attendees included Venerable Thich Tho Lac – Permanent Member of the Executive Council and Head of the Central Culture Committee; Venerable Thich Duc Thien – Vice President and Secretary General of the Executive Council, and Vice Chairman of the Vesak 2025 Organizing Committee, along with many senior monks, dignitaries of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and thousands of monks, nuns, and lay followers from across the country.

As one of the key events in Vesak Week 2025, the Buddhist Culture Festival features a diverse program including Buddhist art performances, exhibitions, cultural spaces, and spiritual product booths.

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Monks visit a Buddhist culture booth.

More than just a cultural celebration, the event honors the ethical and intellectual legacy of the Buddha while offering the public an opportunity to cultivate peace, commit to living virtuously, and spread the message of compassion and peace to all.

Tuan Chieu

Photos: Organizing Committee, Giac Ngo