Festival of the people's hearts

In the eighth lunar month, Rach Gia once again bustles with activity as it enters the traditional festival season commemorating the 157th anniversary of the sacrifice of national hero Nguyen Trung Truc (1868 - 2025). Thousands of people from all over come to attend, offering incense and gifts to pay tribute to this humble hero who selflessly sacrificed himself for his country.

Locals received free meals when they came to attend the ceremony. Photo: TRUNG HIẾU

Locals wrap banh tet (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) to serve festival attendees. Photo: TRUNG HIEU

These days, the area around the Nguyen Trung Truc historical and cultural relic site, including the tomb and temple, is bustling with a festive atmosphere. Many free meal stalls have been set up to serve visitors from all over.

Mr. Pham Van Kinh, residing in Rach Gia ward, temporarily set aside his work to return to the temple to contribute. For nearly 10 years, he has participated in cooking charitable meals during the commemoration of Mr. Nguyen Trung Truc. "Everyone has their own role to play, and everyone voluntarily does their part well. It's all driven by a benevolent heart, showing respect and remembrance for Mr. Nguyen Trung Truc, who sacrificed himself for the people and the country," Mr. Kinh shared.

At meal station number 3, Mr. Nguyen Hong Quang, residing in Tan Chau ward, has spent many years mobilizing people in Tan Chau, Phu Tan, and Cho Vam to donate food and vegetables to provide vegetarian meals for visitors. “The meal station serves from 6 am until late at night, only closing when no one else comes to eat. No one attending the ceremony has to worry about going hungry,” Mr. Quang said. Warm, heartfelt vegetarian meals are served on tables under the shade of the shelter for those paying their respects to Mr. Nguyen.

Volunteers preparing food. Photo: TRUNG HIẾU

Volunteers at Camp No. 3 cook meals for guests. Photo: DANG LINH

As the sun reached its zenith, the grounds of the Nguyen Trung Truc historical and cultural site, including the tomb and temple, were more bustling than ever. Hundreds of tourists and locals sat together, sharing a hot vegetarian meal. There was no pushing or shoving; only friendly smiles and nods of greeting, like members of the same family. Each portion of rice, each bowl of soup shared, was a token of gratitude, a bridge connecting the hearts of the people today with the heroic spirit of the humble hero of yesteryear.

Amidst the crowds attending the ceremony, the charitable meal stalls were bustling with activity from the 22nd to the 28th of August in the lunar calendar. Cao Hong Nhan, head of Meal Stall No. 4 and residing in Chau Phong commune, said: “This year, the stall prepared over 100 vegetarian meals, with more than 400 volunteers. Vegetables were brought in from Vinh Long, Chau Doc, and Dong Thap , and rice was readily available. We only hope that people near and far can have a heartwarming meal.”

Mr. Cao Hong Nhan - head of meal camp No. 4, along with volunteers, sort vegetables for meals. Photo: DANG LINH

Mr. Vo Van Huong, a resident of An Phu commune, has been staying at the communal house for nearly half a month to cook banh tet (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) and vegetarian rice. Photo: DANG LINH

Besides vegetarian rice, the vegetarian pancake stall also sizzled golden brown on the hot pan, a gesture of kindness. Ms. Nguyen Thuy Hang, owner of Tan Tai rice milling facility in Rach Gia ward, said: “For this year's commemoration of Mr. Nguyen, I, along with other philanthropists, contributed funds to provide free medicine to people who came to the temple to volunteer and visitors attending the ceremony. In addition, more than 3,000 dried coconuts, flour, and spices for making pancakes to serve guests were meticulously prepared several days in advance.” About 50 meters away, Mr. Danh Nam's free water stall in Rach Gia ward continued to serve customers regularly from the 20th of the lunar month until the end of the commemoration ceremony. Mr. Nam said: “We just boil water and give it away for free; anyone who comes from far away can stop by for a drink. Being able to do something for the festival makes us happy.”

In the afternoon, as the sunlight slanted across the Kien River, crowds continued to pour in. Amidst the throngs, there was no pushing or arguing, only order and reverence. Elderly people clasped their hands in prayer, children accompanied their parents to offer incense, all blending into the solemn yet warm atmosphere of the gratitude festival. Lam Quoc Thai, a student in class 10A9 of Nguyen Trung Truc 1 High School, shared a free meal at the memorial camp with his friends, excitedly saying: “I study at a school named after the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc, so I feel even more proud and moved to be able to attend his memorial ceremony. Eating the meal at the temple, I feel like I’ve received a blessing from him to study harder. Seeing the staff working so hard but always smiling and being cheerful with us, I feel so much affection and appreciation for them!”

DANG LINH - TRUNG HIEU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/le-hoi-cua-long-dan-a464096.html