HA NOI — Vietnamese and foreign people from all over the world who find beauty in the lotus are encouraged to join a photo contest.

Entries of all kinds including single photos, groups, and photo essays featuring the flower in culture and nature are welcomed until October 30. Digitally altered photos are not eligible.

The organisers will select 100 works to display at an exhibition in Ha Noi's Literature Temple on November 22 on the occasion of the Culture Heritage Day (November 23).

As many as 11 prizes ranging from VND2 million (US$100) to VND10 million will be awarded to the best photographers.

According to researcher Dang Van Bai from the Viet Nam Culture Heritage Association, lotus is a powerful cultural symbol, representing the noble soul and endless vitality of Vietnamese people.

The flower has been a constant inspiration in art and poetry. It has an irreplaceable position in people's life, culture and belief, especially in Buddhism, he said.-VNS