A series of spectacular events
The complex of historical sites located in the provinces and cities of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong embodies outstanding historical, cultural, religious, and philosophical values of the Vietnamese nation, closely associated with the birth and development of the Truc Lam Zen sect – a Zen school deeply rooted in worldly engagement and the harmonious blending of spirituality and everyday life. Last July, UNESCO officially inscribed the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots as a World Cultural Heritage site, affirming its outstanding global value and reflecting the harmonious interplay between majestic natural landscapes and a unique system of historical, architectural, archaeological, and religious sites. This is also vivid evidence of Vietnam's contribution to the common heritage of humanity. The inscription of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots as a World Cultural Heritage site affirms the international appreciation for the value of the heritage and the beautiful humanistic ideas of Truc Lam Buddhism founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, as well as the efforts of the localities in preserving, protecting and promoting the heritage.
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Quan Ho folk singers at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Photo: Hoang Thuong. |
On the occasion of the 717th anniversary of the passing into Nirvana of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, Quang Ninh province, in coordination with Bac Ninh province and Hai Phong city, organized a ceremony to receive the Certificate of Recognition for the Yen Tu historical and scenic site. From December 18th to 22nd, a series of large-scale programs took place, integrating spiritual rituals, cultural activities, and community events, thereby honoring the historical and spiritual values of the World Cultural Heritage site. According to the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, the commemoration ceremony for Emperor Tran Nhan Tong was held at Ngoa Van Pagoda on December 19th – the place associated with the milestone of the Emperor's passing into Nirvana. Along with that were meaningful activities such as the "Yen Tu - Source of Wisdom in the Modern Era" retreat, a lantern festival praying for national peace and prosperity, a ceremony of worshiping Buddha and ancestors, and a grand commemoration ceremony for Emperor Tran Nhan Tong at Truc Lam Yen Tu Palace.
Some of the main activities at the event. From December 18-22: Opening of the Yen Tu Festival “Journey of Heritage - World Quintessence” at the Truc Lam - Yen Tu Cultural Center; Exhibition of achievements “Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac Millennium Heritage”; Heritage Film Week, art exchange, folk games; OCOP trade fair and food festival; cycling race… at the Yen Tu historical and scenic site. December 19th: Lantern Festival in commemoration of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong at Truc Lam Yen Tu Palace. December 20th: Grand ceremony commemorating the 717th anniversary of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's passing into Nirvana. 8 PM on December 20th: Ceremony to receive the Certificate of Recognition for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac Complex of Historical Sites and Scenic Spots as a World Cultural Heritage Site at Minh Tam Square (Yen Tu Ward). |
The ceremony to receive the Certificate of Inscription took place on the evening of December 20th. The event was held solemnly with speeches from central government leaders, UNESCO representatives, and local authorities of the heritage sites; the UNESCO Certificate of Inscription presentation ceremony; and a special artistic program titled "Sacred Land of Heritage - Shining with Glory," recreating the journey of King Tran Nhan Tong's renunciation of worldly life, jointly performed by three provinces and cities, showcasing regional connections within the World Heritage site.
One of the highlights of the event series is the Yen Tu Festival “Journey of Heritage - World Quintessence” held at the Truc Lam - Yen Tu Cultural Center. Within the framework of the Festival is the Exhibition “Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac Millennium Heritage”, showcasing artifacts, documents, images, 3D models, and digital technology applications to clarify the historical, cultural, and ideological values of the World Cultural Heritage Complex. In addition, there are other prominent activities such as: a trade fair introducing OCOP products and a food festival at Yen Tu village, art exchange programs, folk game performances, a Heritage Film Week, the Quang Ninh Open Cycling Race… contributing to providing people and tourists with diverse, modern experiences while maintaining the rich traditional cultural identity.
Through a series of rich and well-organized activities, not only are the values of world cultural heritage honored, but the determination and responsibility of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong in preserving and promoting heritage in conjunction with sustainable development are also affirmed, spreading the unique spiritual and cultural values of the nation to the domestic community and international friends.
An opportunity to promote and enhance the value of heritage.
In coordinating the event, Bac Ninh province recognizes it as a crucial responsibility and opportunity to promote and spread the value of its heritage. According to Mr. Truong Quang Hai, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Bac Ninh actively participates in many important aspects of the Yen Tu Festival, notably the exhibition showcasing the achievements of the thousand-year heritage "Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac", art exchange programs, information and communication work, promotion of the heritage image, and other local activities.
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Staff from Bac Ninh Museum No. 1 are displaying documents and artifacts about the Tay Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Bo Da historical site system at the exhibition. |
In terms of media coverage, the press agencies of Bac Ninh province collaborated with Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city to launch the photo contest "Moments of Heritage of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac". Outstanding works by professional photographers and local people and tourists were submitted to the Organizing Committee and published in newspapers and social media platforms, helping the community better understand the value, landscape, vitality, and spirit of the heritage. Participating in the Exhibition of Achievements of the Millennium Heritage "Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac", Bac Ninh province displayed and introduced more than 150 typical artifacts, images, and documents about the system of relics of Tay Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Bo Da.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Deputy Director of Bac Ninh Museum No. 1, said: The unit has reviewed and selected exhibition content that is consistent with the overall theme, clearly demonstrating Bac Ninh's role in the Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhist heritage space. The highlight is the introduction of two special national relics of the province: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and Bo Da Pagoda; the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda woodblocks - a documentary heritage under the Memory of the World Programme for the Asia-Pacific region; woodblock prints, archaeological artifacts from the Ly-Tran dynasties, and many valuable research publications. The exhibition space also organizes woodblock printing experience activities for visitors, creating a lively highlight and contributing to raising community awareness, especially among the younger generation, about the value of heritage, thereby fostering a sense of preservation.
In fulfilling its assigned task, the Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Song Theatre prepared a special artistic program with the theme "The Land of Quan Ho Love" to perform at the ceremony for receiving the World Heritage Certificate and the opening of the Festival. The troupe presented four Quan Ho performances, meticulously staged, showcasing the essence of Kinh Bac culture and highlighting the heritage connected to this land of outstanding people and rich history. In addition, nearly 100 typical OCOP (One Commune One Product) products were introduced at the fair and food festival, reflecting the cultural identity and traditional crafts of Kinh Bac, such as Chu noodles, lychees, oranges, pomelos, Dinh Bang Phu The cakes, Lang Cho rice cakes, Bui spring rolls, Dinh To soy sauce… along with handicrafts and Phu Lang pottery. More than just goods, each product tells a story about the land, its people, and the process of preserving and promoting traditional cultural values in rural economic development.
The close, responsible, and effective coordination between Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong in organizing the event demonstrates the shared commitment of these localities to jointly preserve and promote heritage values, contributing to the promotion and dissemination of Vietnamese cultural essence to the world.
Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/chung-tay-de-di-san-toa-sang-postid433515.bbg
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