A heartfelt thank-you offering at the end of the year.

In the final days of the 2025 lunar year, Bao Ha Temple (Bao Ha commune) – a shrine dedicated to the renowned general Hoang Bay – was bustling with visitors from all over coming to offer incense and prayers. The stream of pilgrims grew larger each day, but it was noticeable that the crowding, pushing, and chaos of the past were gone. This year, the temple grounds presented a new, more spacious, orderly, and professional appearance, leaving a deep impression on visitors from near and far.

The Bảo Hà temple grounds have been extensively renovated and look more impressive.

In the minds of many, General Hoang Bay is not only a guardian deity of the border, but also a sacred figure who protects, bestows wealth and peace. According to the traditional belief of "Asking for blessings at the beginning of the year, giving thanks at the end of the year," the twelfth lunar month is the time when businesspeople, families, and citizens come here to express their reverence and gratitude for a year of favorable weather, successful work, and peaceful family life, while also sending wishes for a peaceful new year.

Every day, convoys of vehicles from the lowland and midland provinces arrive at Bao Ha. Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy (from Hung Yen province) shared: “My family left at 5:30 in the morning and arrived here around 9:00. Almost every year, my family comes to Bao Ha Temple. This year-end, my family comes to offer thanks and pray for a peaceful and healthy new year.” For Ms. Thuy, this year-end trip has become a habit, an indispensable part of her spiritual life.

People from all over flock to visit and worship at Bao Ha Temple.

Having traveled a long distance from Bac Ninh province, Mr. Chu Van Tien and six others in his group arrived at the temple quite early. “Our group consists of seven people; we left at over 3 a.m. and arrived here around 10 a.m. Every year I come here to pray for peace and good health for my family,” Mr. Tien said.

The biggest difference that visitors will notice during the end of the Year of the Snake 2025 is the significant change in the site's appearance. After planning and construction investment, Bao Ha Temple has taken on a new, more spacious and imposing look. The grounds have been renovated to be clean and beautiful, the pathways are clear, and the parking system is scientifically arranged, minimizing congestion during peak hours.

The outer areas of Bao Ha Temple are decorated in a solemn and beautiful manner.

The items within the temple grounds are arranged solemnly and harmoniously, creating a sacred space while still being convenient for visitors to offer incense. The clearly installed signage system helps people move around easily, reducing crowding. Many visitors expressed satisfaction at no longer having to wait too long or worry about safety issues as before.

To achieve this attractive appearance and civilized environment, the Bao Ha Commune Relic and Tourism Development Management Board proactively implemented many solutions from the beginning of the twelfth lunar month. The focus was on three main tasks: ensuring security and order; strengthening fire prevention and control; and preserving the landscape and environmental hygiene.

Ms. Tran Thi Lien, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Historical Sites and Tourism Development of Bao Ha Commune, discusses work with security forces at Bao Ha Temple.

Ms. Tran Thi Lien, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Historical Sites and Tourism Development in Bao Ha Commune, said: "During the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, the number of tourists visiting historical sites in the commune will be high. To meet the needs of tourists for sightseeing and worship, we have strengthened security forces from the outer perimeter of the bus station to the inner area of ​​the historical site, while also ensuring fire prevention and control. In addition, the unit has also intensified cleaning, landscaping, and propaganda to encourage people and tourists to voluntarily protect their personal property and maintain general cleanliness."

Thanks to thorough preparation, the organization of activities during the peak days proceeded in an orderly and safe manner. Authorities regularly reminded and guided people to queue and perform the rituals correctly. Fire prevention and control plans were in place, especially given the increased use of incense and candles.

Each group of pilgrims visiting Bao Ha Temple carries within them a sense of reverence and gratitude towards their ancestors.

Alongside the efforts of the local authorities, the awareness of visitors has also undergone many positive changes. Many people proactively collect trash after worship, refrain from burning votive paper indiscriminately, and comply with the regulations of the Management Board. This consensus has contributed to building a civilized and friendly image of Bao Ha Temple in the eyes of visitors from all over.

Amidst the spring weather, the stream of people visiting and paying respects at the Hoang Bay Temple continues to grow. Each incense stick lit is a token of gratitude for the good things of the past, and an expression of hope for a prosperous and successful new year.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/long-thanh-ta-le-cuoi-nam-post893551.html