The reconstruction of Diec Pagoda in Vinh city was started at a stone-laying ceremony held by Nghe An provincial Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) on April 5.
Attending the ceremony were Most Venerable Chairman of the VBS Executive Council Thích Thiện Nhơn, Buddhist dignitaries and followers in the locality.
State officials at the event included Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) Bùi Thanh Hà, Secretary of Party Committee Hồ Đức Phớc, representatives from the central and local agencies.
Diec Pagoda was built under the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), underwent preservation in both 1914 and 1930, and was once the cultural centre in the province. However, with time, the pagoda has become severely degraded. The restoration aims to preserve and promote the historical value of the site in order to meet the cultural and religious demands of the local people. The pagoda will be reconstructed with a total investment of 134 billion VND (6.2 million USD) from non-State resources and support from benefactors and organizations and expected to be complete in18 months.
On this occasion, Most Venerable Deputy Head of the provincial VBS Executive Committee Thích Thọ Lạc was appointed as Abbot of Diec Pagoda.
Vice Chairman Bùi Thanh Hà presents flowers to Most Venerable Thích Thọ Lạc.
Vice Chairman Bùi Thanh Hà, leaders of Nghe An province and Central VBS perform stone-laying ceremony.
Lê Khánh
