The Tay Thien Festival is held annually from the 15th to the 17th of February in the lunar calendar to commemorate and express gratitude for the great contributions of Queen Mother Lang Thi Tieu, the principal consort of Hung Chieu Vuong VII – who played a major role in helping King Hung expand the territory, teach the people to cultivate wet rice, recruit soldiers, and consolidate the dynasty. The festival includes ceremonies such as: the announcement ceremony, the palanquin procession, the opening ceremony, the incense offering ceremony, and the thanksgiving ceremony.
This year's festival features a variety of activities, including: a folk singing festival, featuring traditional songs associated with the worship of the Mother Goddess Tay Thien; a cultural and artistic performance showcasing and recreating some customs and traditions of the San Diu ethnic group and Soong Co folk songs; and a Trade and Tourism Fair displaying OCOP products and characteristic cuisine of ethnic groups in the province…
In addition, the festival will feature many sporting activities such as: the National Traditional Wrestling Championship; the Tay Thien Cup National Golf Tournament; and competitions in volleyball, tug-of-war, and chess among the communes and towns of Tam Dao district…
Because it was held on a weekend, this year's Tay Thien Festival attracted a large number of pilgrims and visitors. To ensure security and order, the Festival Organizing Committee coordinated with the police force to establish a task force and organize patrols to prevent and crack down on social vices; prevent fraud, disturbances, and superstitious practices; and prevent fires at the historical sites and festival areas. At the same time, the Festival Organizing Committee intensified its efforts to raise awareness among traders in the scenic area, urging them not to engage in soliciting or overcharging tourists.
Tay Thien is an ancient architectural complex with temples, shrines, and stone steles, bearing the distinct imprint of history and culture. The Tay Thien scenic area, with its high mountains, deep forests, and picturesque streams and waterfalls, is also a large and early Buddhist center in Vietnam. In 2015, the Tay Thien historical and scenic site was recognized as a Special National Monument. In 2020, the Tay Thien Mother Goddess worship was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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