(VOVworld)- The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh on Monday held a ceremony to receive a special national relic certificate for the Yen Tu relic complex honoring Vietnamese Zen Buddhism. At the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan praised Quang Ninh’s efforts in protecting, restoring and promoting the cultural and historical values​​ of Yen Tu in recent years. "This is a prerequisite for Quang Ninh’s Party committee, administration and people to continue preserving and promoting the relic to serve the education of Vietnamese culture and tourism, making Yen Tu worthy of being a special national relic', said Mr. Nhan.

After receiving the certificate, an incense burning ceremony was held in the memory of King Monk Tran Nhan Tong and also a peace ceremony. An art performance reviewed the life and career of Tran Nhan Tong, who founded Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhism and was honored as the King Monk after his death.

The ceremony marked the start of the Yen Tu Spring Festival 2013 which will last three months and is expected to attract 2.5-2.7 million pilgrims.