The temple before the festival begins.

Prior to the main festival, which takes place from the afternoon of March 2nd to the morning of March 5th, 2026 (corresponding to the 14th to 17th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Horse), the area around Va Temple (Son Tay, Hanoi) was bustling with people coming to offer prayers and sacrifices.

From ceremonial preparations and procession arrangements to the reverent moments shared by the people, the cultural heritage of the Đoài region is gradually being awakened, ready to enter the traditional festival season.

Tourists capture images of the Va Temple before the festival opens, as the historical site becomes bustling with people coming to offer prayers.

From early morning, a large number of locals and tourists gathered at the main gate of Va Temple to prepare for the ceremony. In the photo: A family carrying offerings proceeds towards the temple grounds, beginning their spiritual journey before the main festival day.

People respectfully perform rituals from outside the temple gate, offering their best wishes for the new year.

The interior of the temple was crowded with people coming to offer prayers.

People line up to receive sacred water at the Va Temple - a familiar ritual during the festival season.

Many locals took advantage of the weekend to return to the temple to offer prayers early before the festival officially opened.

The offerings were brought into the main hall amidst rows of brightly colored Buddhist flags.

The temple keepers were busy arranging the offerings and finalizing the preparations for the ceremony.

Youth union members and young people assisted the public in recording donations, contributing to ensuring that the festival activities took place in an orderly manner.

The opening ceremony stage has been completed within the temple grounds, signaling the imminent start of the Đoài region's festival season.

The ceremonial throne is being meticulously prepared for the procession of the Saint that will take place on the main day of the festival.

The incense burner on the ceremonial throne - a sacred symbol of traditional rituals.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/den-va-truoc-gio-khai-hoi-735580.html