The people of Phu Nghia commune in particular and Lac Thuy district in general often recite the following verse: "No matter where anyone goes or comes from, the Spring festival is a time to welcome together. No matter where anyone is busy, the Tien Pagoda festival is held, so everyone can come and celebrate Spring. No matter how far or near anyone goes, they will return to the Tien Pagoda in Phu Nghia for the Spring festival," to affirm the value of the traditional festival held annually at the beginning of Spring.
The procession of the palanquin from Trung communal house to Tien pagoda to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2024 festival.
Although called the Tien Pagoda Festival, it is a festival for the entire complex of historical relics in Phu Nghia commune. The Tien Pagoda Festival has a long history and is now famous both within and outside the province. In 2024, the Tien Pagoda Festival was organized on a provincial scale. From the very first day of the festival, many tourists came to participate. Ms. Vu Huyen Chi, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "When I learned that the Tien Pagoda Festival was being organized on a provincial scale, on the 4th day of Tet (Lunar New Year), my family and I came to visit and admire the pagoda. Indeed, the scenery here is so beautiful and captivating that it attracts visitors. I will definitely return to explore this vast and majestic complex of historical relics."
As a native of Lac Thuy who married and settled in Hai Phong , Ms. Giang My always makes time to return to her hometown for Tet, which is also the main festival at Tien Pagoda. Ms. My said: "I go to Tien Pagoda to pray for a new year filled with good health and success in my work. Even more enjoyable is immersing myself in the festive atmosphere with folk games, watching traditional singing performances, and visiting and shopping at the spring fair with products not only from Lac Thuy district but also from other districts and cities in the province."
The opening ceremony takes place over three days, from February 12-14, 2024 (corresponding to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days of the first lunar month of the Year of the Dragon), with many rich and diverse cultural, sports , and folk game activities such as: crossbow shooting competitions, tug-of-war, stick pushing, volleyball matches; a spring fair; a folk art exchange program, performances of traditional musical instruments, Muong gong art, folk singing, ceremonial singing, and demonstrations of the Tam Phu Mother Goddess worship practice… After the opening ceremony, the festival continues for three months (from the 1st to the 3rd lunar month).
At the opening ceremony of Tien Pagoda, visitors can witness and participate in the traditional festival of the Muong ethnic group with its unique identity. This is the largest festival in the Lac Thuy region. Beginning the official opening ceremony, visitors can admire the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of three processions from three different locations. First is the procession from Trinh Temple, second from Mau Temple, and third from Trung Communal House. Each procession is adorned with flags and two rows of majestic and imposing ceremonial objects, accompanied by lively traditional music, the grandeur and resonance of gong ensembles, the joyful and heroic performances of the four mythical creatures, and a throng of people flocking to the festival.
Amidst the resounding gongs of the Muong Lac Thuy region, visitors can explore and admire the complex of historical sites including Dong Tien Cave, Chua Tien Pagoda, and Mau Dam Da Temple. The deities worshipped are Ancestral Mother Au Co, the Three Tan Vien deities, and the Four Holy Mothers. According to 10 royal decrees still preserved from various dynasties, these deities were all granted the title of High-Ranking Deities. A decree granted the Nhuong Lao commune (now Phu Nghia commune) the right to venerate and worship them. The complex of historical and scenic sites includes 20 points of interest, encompassing various forms such as historical, cultural, archaeological, and scenic. Located in the valley of Lao Noi and Lao Ngoai villages, it is surrounded by two mountain ranges stretching like two giant dragons reaching towards the sky. Here, visitors feel a connection to their roots, their souls immersed in the clouds and mountains; they can admire flocks of white egrets gliding over the vast fields. Visitors can admire the graceful and charming mountain girls in traditional Muong ethnic costumes; explore Tam Toa Cave, Linh Son Cave, Mau Thuong Ngan Cave, Mau Long Cave, Golden Stream, Silver Stream, Thuy Tien Cave… In addition to tourist attractions, visitors can also visit Co Chin Cave, Ong Hoang Bay Cave, and Ong Hoang Muoi Cave, all associated with legends. Especially, visiting the complex of historical sites, visitors can explore Tien Cave with its many wonders. This is an archaeological site that was classified as a national monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1989...
Currently, the Huong Binh cable car line, located in the low-lying area of the spiritual triangle "Huong Pagoda - Tien Pagoda - Tam Chuc", is accelerating its completion to connect transportation, creating opportunities for tourists to explore the unique natural scenery. Mr. Nguyen Van Hai, Chairman of the Lac Thuy District People's Committee, shared: "People and tourists have gathered here to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of spring and experience the cultural values of the land and people of Lac Thuy district. Through the festival activities, everyone will deeply feel the strong spread of traditional cultural values in the spiritual life of the people. At the same time, it promotes local tourism products to domestic and international tourists, contributing to socio-economic development in the area."
Huong Lan
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