A calligrapher offers a painting to visitors at the calligraphy festival Xuân Bình An (Peaceful Spring), which will be open at the Việt Nam Quốc Tự Pagoda in HCM City’s District 10 until February 26. VNA/VNS Photo by Xuân Khu

HCM CITY -- A calligraphy festival themed Xuân Bình An (Peaceful Spring) was opened at the Việt Nam Quốc Tự Pagoda in HCM City’s District 10 in hopes of bringing happiness and health to people during Tết (Lunar New Year).

The festival is organised by the culture department of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha in HCM City.

Venerable Thích Thượng Quý, deputy director and chief secretary of the sangha’s executive council, said: “The calligraphy festival Xuân Bình An revives a part of Tết in the past and promotes the country’s traditional culture in modern life.”

“It also reflects the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha’s wish and hope for solidarity among religions and minorities to be strong in the fight against COVID-19, and brings hopes for a peaceful life, prosperity, and success to people in the Year of the Buffalo,” he added.  

The festival has attracted around 20 calligraphers, including men and women of varying ages who are members of calligraphy clubs in the city and neighbouring provinces.

The image of calligraphers in áo dài (Vietnamese traditional long dress) sitting on mats arranged in an oval shape symbolising peace reminds visitors of calligraphy markets in the old days.

The calligraphers demonstrate their skills with words or verses carrying meaning of happiness, wealth, and health.

The calligraphy is written in black and yellow ink on traditional materials like dó (poonah) paper, silk, wood or stone.

The festival will remain open until February 26, or January 15 on the Lunar New Year calendar.

Visitors must follow the government's COVID-19 prevention measures, including wearing masks, using hand sanitiser, and measuring body temperature. — VNS