May in Uncle Ho's hometown is bustling with activity.

A joyful journey back to our roots.

In May, Nghe An province seems to don a new garment – serene yet radiant. The first rays of summer sun are no longer harsh, gently falling upon rows of betel trees, lush green vegetable patches, and vibrant bougainvillea vines by the houses. Lotus ponds begin to bloom, emitting a pure fragrance as if welcoming the footsteps of countless Vietnamese pilgrims to the village of Sen, the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh.

The grounds of the Kim Lien Special National Historical Site are meticulously maintained to welcome visitors from all over the world to President Ho Chi Minh's hometown.

On the roads leading to Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district ( Nghe An province ), a long line of vehicles creates a quiet yet profound pilgrimage, brimming with emotions directed towards the roots. The faces of the visitors reflect anticipation and nostalgia. They come not to seek luxury, but to find peace before the simple thatched house, the water tank, and the betel nut tree that evoke memories of President Ho Chi Minh's childhood. Many linger for a long time before the ancient jackfruit tree in the garden where he played as a child, then quietly capture the moment with a photograph, as if preserving a breath of memory.

“This is my first time visiting President Ho Chi Minh's hometown. When I stepped into the historical site, I felt my heart slow down. Everything here is so simple and sincere. The scenery is peaceful, the people are friendly, and the sacred atmosphere moved me deeply,” shared Le Minh Tuan, a tourist from Bac Giang . Not only domestic visitors, but many international tourist groups also expressed their admiration upon witnessing firsthand the space preserving artifacts associated with President Ho Chi Minh. “I felt the reverence that the Vietnamese people have for their leader. Everything here isn't grand, but it's very profound,” shared a tourist from France.

Kim Lien village today retains its peaceful and simple charm, yet it has undergone a dramatic transformation. The once narrow village roads have been widened and paved with clean, beautiful concrete, lined on both sides with lush green trees. Every morning and evening, the villagers diligently tend to their flowerbeds, making the village vibrant with color and ready to welcome visitors from all directions. Community-based tourism models and OCOP (One Commune One Product) products made from lotus, rattan and bamboo weaving, and local specialties are gradually emerging, contributing to a model new rural landscape that is both familiar and full of life.

Ready for a nationwide festival.

These days, Kim Lien commune resembles a massive cultural construction site in full swing. From the Kim Lien National Special Historical Site to the Lang Sen Stadium – the venue for the opening ceremony – preparations are being carried out urgently but meticulously, down to the smallest detail. A grand outdoor stage has been erected, a modern sound and lighting system has been invested in, and seating and grandstands are ready to welcome tens of thousands of locals and tourists. Within the historical site grounds, lotus plants were planted early to ensure they bloom in time for the festival. Gardens, pathways, and the memorial house have all been meticulously renovated. Brightly colored banners and posters have been framed and hung, imbued with the festive spirit. Hundreds of volunteers have been present for days to assist visitors, guide tours, and maintain order and safety throughout the event.

Visitors listen to explanations about the family and childhood of President Ho Chi Minh.

One of the most deeply symbolic activities of the 2025 Lotus Village Festival is the inauguration ceremony of the "Uncle Ho Visiting His Hometown" monument on the evening of May 15th. The bronze monument, over 10 meters high, depicts Uncle Ho in his simple khaki uniform, with a gentle gaze and affectionate steps amidst his homeland. The monument's space is solemnly planned, serving as a place for people nationwide to light incense and pay tribute to him for dedicating his entire life to the nation.

The art program "Monument in Millions of Hearts" on the opening night of the festival is also an unmissable highlight. Big names in Vietnamese music such as Trong Tan, Tung Duong, Tan Nhan, People's Artist Hong Luu… performed timeless songs praising President Ho Chi Minh, the homeland, and the country. Against a backdrop of lyrical music, the artists and the people harmonized, creating a moving chorus that recreated the image of the President not only through sound and light, but also through faith, love, pride, and admiration.

The 2025 Sen Village Festival is an opportunity for people nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and those who love Vietnam to return to their roots and relive the enduring values left behind by President Ho Chi Minh. It's a festival not only for commemoration, but also to ignite the flame and remind present and future generations to live up to the sacred legacy that he painstakingly cultivated.

The "Nine-Tiered Waterfall" at the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan, the mother of President Ho Chi Minh, was also inaugurated. This structure not only beautifies the landscape but also embodies the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," honoring the woman who gave birth to and nurtured a great man for the nation. Notably, for the first time in its history, the Sen Village Festival featured a 15-minute low-altitude fireworks display immediately following the opening ceremony, a brilliant greeting to President Ho Chi Minh, to the people of the whole country, and to international friends who are looking towards the homeland of Nghe An province.

This year's festival is organized on a national scale, bringing together a series of unique activities lasting for a week: the "Following in the Footsteps of Uncle Ho - For National Security" running race, traditional sports competitions, the "ASEAN Countries and People" photo exhibition, art exhibitions, the "Village of Lotus" art performance, and cultural, film, and youth exchange events… All of these are like a colorful epic, connecting the past, present, and future through love for the homeland and respect for the beloved leader.

More than just a festival, this is a special cultural, historical, and spiritual convergence. The 2025 Lotus Village Festival is an opportunity for people nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and those who love Vietnam to return to their roots and relive the enduring values left behind by President Ho Chi Minh. It's a festival not only for commemoration, but also to ignite the flame and remind present and future generations to live up to the sacred legacy that he painstakingly cultivated.

Text and photos: Nguyen Minh Quan

Source: https://baobacgiang.vn/ron-rang-que-bac-thang-nam-postid418354.bbg