(VOVworld) - The second India Buddhism Cultural Day opened at Thien An Pagoda in Vinh Phuc province, on Thursday.

The opening ceremony of the 2017 India Buddhism Cultural Days.  (Photo: Nguyen Dan/VNA)

The event is one of several activities to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, said at the opening ceremony that over the years, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has boosted the relations with Indian Buddhism, social organizations, and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam.

Gyalwang Drukpa, the head of the Drukpa School. (Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV)

“The second India Buddhism Cultural Day will see special Buddhist rituals performed by Gyalwang Drukpa, who is believed to be the incarnation of the Goddess of Mercy, on the nineteenth of the second lunar month. The rituals coincide with the 2017 Spring Tay Thien Festival. It’s a magic predestined affinity,” Minister Tuan said.

Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council, said the event will enhance faith and mutual understanding in practicing Buddhist teachings.