Offering incense to commemorate the 1009th anniversary of the birth of National Master Khong Lo (1016-2025)

On the afternoon of November 1 (ie September 12 of the lunar calendar), at Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda, Xuan Hong Commune, the festival organizing committee solemnly held an incense offering ceremony to commemorate the 1009th anniversary of the birth of National Master Khong Lo (1016-2025) - real name Duong Minh Nghiem.

Delegates attended the incense offering ceremony to commemorate the 1009th anniversary of the birth of National Master Khong Lo (1016 - 2025).

Attending the ceremony were leaders of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department; representatives of the Department of Culture and Sports ; leaders of the communes: Xuan Truong, Xuan Hong, Xuan Hung, Xuan Giang and a large number of monks, nuns, Buddhists and local people.

In a solemn and respectful atmosphere, delegates and people offered incense in memory and expressed deep gratitude to Zen Master Khong Lo, founder of Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda, honored as the Holy Ancestor, who made many great contributions to Buddhism and the Dai Viet nation during the Ly Dynasty.

Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Festival 2025 takes place from October 30 to November 4 (ie from September 10 to 15 of the lunar calendar) with many traditional rituals preserved such as: presenting to Buddha and Saints; welcoming; returning to the temple (royal robe); erecting flags; Saint's birthday; puppetry and thanksgiving ceremony.

The festival took place in an exciting and rich atmosphere with many competitions, games, and unique folk cultural and artistic activities such as: standing rowing, crane racing, lantern procession, Chinese chess, corn bridge climbing, duck catching, tug of war, lion and dragon dance, rice cooking competition, vegetarian feast making, etc.

The youth rowing team at Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Festival, Xuan Hong Commune.

With its typical historical, cultural and architectural values, Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda has been ranked as a special national monument; Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Festival was included in the List of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Decision No. 2963/QD-BVHTTDL dated August 27, 2019 .

The festival is not only an occasion for people to express their respect to the Holy Ancestor Khong Lo Zen Master, but also a space to preserve a rich treasure of intangible cultural heritage, vividly reflecting the customs, beliefs, lifestyle and thinking of agricultural residents in the Northern Delta. Thereby, the festival contributes to educating traditions, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists to worship, visit and learn about the historical and cultural values ​​of the relic complex.

News and photos: Khanh Dung

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/dang-huong-ky-niem-1009-nam-ngay-sinh-quoc-su-khong-lo-10162025-251101214805222.html