A dazzling night festival by the Da Giang River.

The Da River has long been more than just a source of alluvial soil, water, and hydroelectric power; it's also a cultural and spiritual waterway intimately connected to the lives of the people on both banks. For the people of Hoa Binh, this river is like a "mother river," nurturing, protecting, and sustaining countless generations. Continuing this heritage, the Hoa Binh Ward People's Committee recently organized the 2026 Fishing Festival and Lantern Release Ceremony in the flower garden area of ​​the Da Giang pedestrian street. The festival attracted tens of thousands of locals and tourists from all over to visit and experience it.

The highlight of the series of activities was a spectacular steamboat performance by the Hoa Binh Lake Water Sports Club. Formerly the PVC Water Rescue Team, founded by Mr. Vu Minh Hung in 2020, the club not only showcased impressive surfing skills but also spread a humane message about mutual support and readiness to assist the community during natural disasters and floods.

Steamboat demonstration by the Hoa Binh Lake Water Sports Club

People's Artist Bui Van Minh - the shaman presiding over the ceremony - shared: "The fishing prayer ritual on the Da River is an opportunity to express gratitude to the mother river. When we sing the ancient shamanic chants accompanied by the resounding gongs, we convey the community's aspiration for peace. Seeing tourists respectfully listening, we, the keepers of this heritage, feel incredibly proud that the Muong shamanic culture is thriving."

People's Artist Bui Van Minh - the shaman who presides over the Fishing Prayer Ceremony.

Shamans perform ritual offerings at the Fishing Festival.

Release the fish as an act of merit.

As dusk falls, the festival atmosphere gradually transforms into a mystical, spiritual ambiance. This year, the Mo Muong heritage is prominently honored through the opening ceremony of the fishing prayer, the release of fish, and the traditional sacrificial rituals, all performed solemnly amidst the resounding sounds of gongs and drums, expressing aspirations for a peaceful life, favorable weather, and national prosperity.

Within the framework of the festival, the art program themed "The Source of Heritage" offered viewers an emotionally rich artistic experience. Performances of traditional folk singing and dances such as "The Miracle of the Da River" combined with modern sound and lighting vividly recreated the historical and cultural journey of the land along the Da Giang River.

Most impressive of all was the sight of over 200 gong and drum artisans standing in a long line from An Duong Vuong Street down to the riverbank, simultaneously playing majestic, resonant sounds that echoed the epic spirit of the Northwest mountains and forests.

The most touching moment was when thousands of floating lanterns were distributed free of charge by the organizers for locals and tourists to light and release onto the river.

Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, the festival also demonstrates professionalism in its organization and management. To ensure the safety of the event, the Hoa Binh Ward People's Committee proactively coordinated with the Hoa Binh Hydropower Company to regulate the water flow, ensuring waterway safety, and implemented an effective traffic diversion plan from a distance.

In particular, the organizers emphasized the element of "green tourism ." Immediately after the festival ended, motorboats quickly collected all the discarded lanterns from the river, restoring the clean and beautiful scenery of the Da Giang River. This professionalism and civility left a positive impression on visitors.

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the atmosphere of the pedestrian street along the Da River.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “I was truly overwhelmed by the scale and sacredness of the festival. All activities were organized systematically, civilly, and safely. This was a very memorable experience, and I will definitely return.”

The positive impact of the festival shows that Hoa Binh ward possesses great potential for tourism development thanks to the harmonious combination of nature, history, and modern infrastructure. Visitors can not only participate in the festival but also connect with many attractive destinations such as the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant with the Ho Chi Minh Monument on Ong Tuong Hill, the Traditional House preserving the century-old letter to future generations; the Hoa Binh Prison National Historical Site; experience Muong ethnic cuisine at Da Giang pedestrian street or explore the beauty of Hoa Binh Lake from the tourist ports in the area.

Comrade Nguyen Huu Luyen - Chairman of the Hoa Binh Ward People's Committee affirmed: "The fishing prayer ceremony and lantern release not only have spiritual significance but also serve as a bridge connecting heritage. Through the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values, the locality aims to create a breakthrough in tourism development, gradually affirming the position of the city along the Da River."

Hong Duyen

Source: https://baophutho.vn/lung-linh-dem-hoi-ben-dong-da-giang-254749.htm