The unique Hy Cuong palanquin procession

For a long time, the procession of palanquins has been an indispensable and distinctive cultural feature during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day. This traditional activity holds special significance, reflecting the positive values ​​in religious culture, while also expressing pride in one's origins, national self-respect, and the Vietnamese people's principle of "drinking water, remembering the source."

The procession from Hy Cuong commune carried the palanquin to Hung Temple.

In Hy Cuong commune (Viet Tri city) in early March, amidst the bustling atmosphere leading up to the Ancestor Commemoration Day, members of the commune's palanquin procession are busy arranging and carefully cleaning every small detail of the items used in the procession, adjusting their costumes, and preparing for the procession to Hung Temple.

Elderly people and veterans participated in the procession.

This year marks the 10th year – a full decade – that Mr. Trieu Van Tien has participated in the procession of palanquins from Hy Cuong commune to Hung Temple on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month. As the head of the procession, immediately after the People's Committee of the commune implemented the Plan for Organizing and Participating in Activities for the Hung King Commemoration Day and the Hung King's Cultural and Tourism Week in the Year of the Snake 2025, Mr. Tien and the members of the Organizing Committee met to agree on the assignment of tasks. Together with various organizations and associations in the commune, they propagated and mobilized officials, members, and the people to actively participate.

Mr. Trieu Van Tien (wearing a black shirt) and the procession carrying the palanquin to Hung Temple.

He said: “This year, the Hy Cuong commune's palanquin procession has about 150 people. Besides the elderly, there are also a large number of veterans, women, and people from the commune participating in various teams... All members of the procession are exemplary individuals with high moral standards and good health. Although each person has their own job, everyone is happy and excited to be selected to participate in the procession to offer incense and pay tribute to the merits of the Hung Kings.”

Mr. Trieu Van Tien (on the left) and the Veterans Association of the commune select veteran members to participate in the palanquin procession.

Having led the procession for many years, Mr. Tien has extensive experience in assembling and commanding the group. While participating in the procession, Mr. Tien focused on observing and overseeing the overall situation of the procession to guide and adjust the procession to ensure it was orderly and beautiful. Leading the procession was the lion dance troupe, followed by the national flag and ceremonial banners, the gong and drum players, the bearers of the ceremonial symbols and treasures, the traditional music ensemble performing the coin-shaped drum dance, the parasol bearers, and the palanquin bearers, finally the officials and the people. In addition, the procession also included young women carrying incense, flowers, and local offerings.

In particular, among the communes, wards, and towns surrounding the Hung Temple Historical Site participating in the procession, the Hy Cuong commune's procession is the only one allowed to carry the palanquin and offer gifts to the Upper Temple on the main festival day. Therefore, everything must be meticulously prepared, ensuring safety and adherence to traditional rituals.

The annual procession of palanquins during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day enhances the cultural and religious value of the Hung Kings' worship in Phu Tho – an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For Mr. Tien, participating in the palanquin procession to Hung Temple, and being entrusted by the commune leaders, the organizing committee, and the people to lead the procession, is a great honor and source of pride. The annual palanquin procession to Hung Temple during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day always holds significant meaning, not only for Mr. Trieu Van Tien himself or the people of Hy Cuong commune, but for all Vietnamese people across the country who turn towards their homeland, respectfully offering incense to commemorate the Hung Kings.

Mai Hoa

Source: https://baophutho.vn/dac-sac-ruoc-kieu-hy-cuong-230016.htm