On the afternoon of the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year), at Phuc Khanh Pagoda.

On the afternoon of the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year), a steady stream of people flocked to Phuc Khanh Pagoda (Dong Da Ward). Known for its crowds during the annual rituals to ward off bad luck and pray for peace at the beginning of the year, the pagoda was remarkably solemn and peaceful on this first afternoon of spring.

Phuc Khanh Pagoda is located on Tay Son Street, Dong Da Ward, Hanoi . Also known as Phuc Khanh Temple, it is one of the ancient pagodas of Thang Long (Hanoi). Despite numerous renovations and restorations, the pagoda retains its familiar spiritual atmosphere amidst the rapidly developing city. Not only is it a place of worship for local residents, but it also attracts a large number of Buddhists who come to the pagoda at the beginning of each year to participate in the prayer ceremony for peace and prosperity.

Phuc Khanh Pagoda is one of the ancient pagodas of Thang Long (Hanoi). Photo: PV

In the hearts of Hanoians, Phuc Khanh Pagoda is associated with the chanting of scriptures at the beginning of spring, and solemn, respectful ceremonies. Despite the city's daily changes, the moss-covered roof, the evening bells, and the incense still retain their unique tranquility. The blend of the ancient and the modern makes the pagoda a spiritual haven for many amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Many young people visited the temple. Photo: PV

What was noticeable on the afternoon of the second day of Tet was the orderliness and discipline. Incense smoke mingled with the cool breeze. The sound of bells echoed gently across the time-worn tiled roofs. People slowly entered the main hall, gently placing offerings, refraining from burning votive paper, and maintaining general cleanliness. The solemn atmosphere was maintained, creating a sense of peace for those who came to the temple at the beginning of the year.

In the temple courtyard, Tran Tuan Nghia, a first-year student at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, quietly clasped his hands in prayer.

People respectfully offer incense, praying for a peaceful new year, good health for their families, and success in their work. Photo: PV

“Amidst the bustling streets, entering the temple feels like a moment of calm. I don't pray for anything too grand, just for my family's peace and for more motivation to study better,” Tuan Nghia shared. According to him, what's admirable is that despite the large number of people, everyone maintained their composure and didn't push or shove. “Maintaining reverence at the temple is also a way for each person to demonstrate civilized behavior,” Tran Tuan Nghia said.

Mr. Tran Van Quy, residing in Vinh Tuy ward, also said that for many years his family has visited Phuc Khanh Pagoda at the beginning of the year. “We go to pray for peace and good health. Coming to the pagoda at the beginning of the year makes us feel more at ease. Especially this year, the organization is very good, security is ensured, and people can park their cars for free, without worrying about being charged high prices, so we feel even happier,” he shared.

Comrade Nguyen Xuan Duc, a police officer from Dong Da Ward Police Station, maintains order in the area outside Phuc Khanh Pagoda. Photo: PV

To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the authorities of Dong Da ward proactively implemented measures early on. Speaking with reporters, Comrade Nguyen Xuan Duc, a police officer from Dong Da ward, said that the ward leadership paid special attention to maintaining security and order in the temple area during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Accordingly, the ward police station has deployed teams on duty both inside and outside the temple grounds from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Each team consists of police officers and local security personnel, tasked with ensuring security and order, preventing theft, and reminding people to behave in a civilized manner, avoiding crowding and pushing.

Police officers from Dong Da ward guide people to park their vehicles in designated areas when visiting the temple. Photo: PV

A new feature this year is that the ward has arranged a free parking area for people attending the festival. Mr. Duc and his colleagues are directly involved in directing traffic, guiding people to park in the designated areas, and preventing long gatherings that could cause traffic congestion on Tay Son street. Since the beginning of Tet (Lunar New Year), the security situation has been stable, with no incidents of pickpocketing or pushing and shoving recorded.

As the afternoon of the second day of the Lunar New Year drew to a close, people dispersed in an orderly fashion, carrying with them the lingering scent of incense and a sense of relief. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, these peaceful moments at the Buddhist temple not only provide spiritual solace but also contribute to fostering a civilized way of life in the capital during the first days of the new year.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/chieu-mung-2-tet-o-chua-phuc-khanh-734103.html