The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, local authorities, dignitaries from various religious organizations and a large number of Hoa Hao Buddhist followers from across the city.

At the same time, commemorative ceremonies were held simultaneously at An Hoa Tu, the ancestral temple of Duc Huynh Giao Chu, and at more than 200 Hoa Hao Buddhist places of worship nationwide.

Hoa Hao Buddhism was founded by Duc Huynh Giao Chu in Hoa Hao Village, An Giang Province, on the 18th day of the fifth lunar month in 1939. Rooted in Buddhist teachings, the religion is guided by the principle of "Hoc Phat, tu nhan" (study Buddhism, cultivate virtue), encouraging followers to practice at home, uphold ethical values and embrace the motto of serving both religion and the nation. Followers have long been active in charity and humanitarian work, contributing to national solidarity.

According to Tran Van Dat, head of the Representative Board of Hoa Hao Buddhism in Ho Chi Minh City, the annual ceremony provides an opportunity for followers to honor the contributions of Duc Huynh Giao Chu while reviewing the activities of the religious community over the past year.

During the religion's 86th year, Hoa Hao Buddhist followers contributed more than VND600 billion (US$22.8 million) to social welfare programs, poverty reduction, healthcare, education and rural infrastructure development. Religious activities and charitable initiatives are expected to continue expanding in the coming years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Father Francis Xavier Bao Loc, head of the Interfaith Dialogue Commission of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, praised Hoa Hao Buddhism for its contributions over nearly a century of development, particularly its humanitarian and charitable activities inspired by the socially engaged teachings of Duc Huynh Giao Chu.

According to Father Bao Loc, initiatives such as free medical examinations, patient transport services, rural bridge construction and assistance for disadvantaged people have helped spread humanitarian values while demonstrating the social responsibility of religious organizations.

He added that different religions share common values rooted in morality, compassion and love for humanity. Duc Huynh Giao Chu's teaching that "We must love one another as children of the same father and guide one another along the path of virtue" remains a meaningful message for strengthening interfaith solidarity and contributing to Vietnam's great national unity.

During the event, representatives of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Cho Lon Ward also announced a congratulatory letter from the President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front to Hoa Hao Buddhist followers on the occasion of the 2026 anniversary.

Many followers attended the ceremony at the Representative Board's headquarters in Cho Lon Ward. One participant, Ms. Tham, said: "This year I could not return to An Giang, so I attended the ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City instead. It is an opportunity for followers to remember Duc Huynh Giao Chu, study his teachings, practice the principle of 'Hoc Phat, tu nhan,' and live meaningful lives while contributing positively to society."

Nguyen Hue