Bustling Uncle Ho's hometown in May

Bustling footsteps back to the source

In May, Nghe An seems to put on a new coat - quiet but brilliant. The early summer sun rays are no longer harsh, gently falling on the rows of areca trees, lush green vegetable beds, and brilliant bougainvillea vines on the porch. The lotus ponds begin to bloom, spreading a pure fragrance as if welcoming the footsteps of many Vietnamese people on pilgrimage to Uncle Ho's lotus village.

The Kim Lien National Special Relic Site is meticulously cared for to welcome visitors from all over the world to Uncle Ho's homeland.

On the roads to Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district ( Nghe An ), the stream of vehicles creates a quiet yet profound pilgrimage flow, filled with many emotions towards the origin. The faces of tourists shine with anticipation and nostalgia. They come here not to seek luxury, but to calm their hearts in front of the simple thatched roof, in front of the water tank, and the areca tree that reminds them of Uncle Ho's childhood. Many people stop for a long time in front of the ancient jackfruit tree in Uncle Ho's garden, where Uncle Ho used to play as a child, then quietly record the moment with a photo, as if to retain a breath of memory.

“This is the first time I have visited Uncle Ho's hometown. When I entered the relic site, I felt my heart beat slow down. Everything here is simple and surprisingly sincere. The peaceful scenery, friendly people, and sacred atmosphere moved me,” Le Minh Tuan, a tourist from Bac Giang, shared emotionally. Not only domestic visitors, many international tourist groups also expressed their admiration when witnessing the space preserving relics associated with Uncle Ho. “I feel the respect that the Vietnamese people have for their leader. Everything here is not too big, but very profound,” a tourist from France shared.

Today, Kim Lien still retains its peaceful, simple appearance, but has changed dramatically. The narrow village roads of the past have now been widened, paved with clean concrete, and lined with rows of fresh green trees. Every morning and afternoon, people diligently take care of each flower bed, the village is colorful, ready to welcome friends from all over. Community tourism models, OCOP products from lotus, rattan and bamboo, and local specialties have gradually taken shape, contributing to creating a model new rural picture that is both familiar and full of vitality.

Ready for a national festival

These days, the entire Kim Lien commune is like a large cultural construction site in full swing. From the Kim Lien National Special Relic Site to the Sen Village Stadium - where the opening ceremony will take place - all preparations are being carried out urgently but carefully down to every detail. The outdoor stage has been built magnificently, the sound and lighting systems have been invested in modernly, the rows of seats and the grandstands have been completed, ready to welcome tens of thousands of people and tourists. In the grounds of the relic site, lotus beds were planted early to bloom in time for the festival. The garden, walkways, memorial house... are all meticulously decorated. Each colorful billboard and propaganda banner has been framed and stretched, imbued with the colors of the festival. Hundreds of volunteers have been present for many days to support visitors, guide visitors, and maintain order and safety for the series of activities.

Tourists listen to a presentation about President Ho Chi Minh's family and childhood.

One of the deeply symbolic activities of the Sen Village Festival 2025 is the inauguration ceremony of the “Uncle Ho Visits His Hometown” Monument on the evening of May 15. The monument is cast from bronze, over 10 meters high, recreating the image of Uncle Ho in simple khaki clothes, gentle eyes, and feet walking affectionately in his homeland. The monument space is solemnly planned, a place for people across the country to burn incense and express gratitude to the person who devoted his whole life to the nation.

The art program “Monument in millions of hearts” on the opening night of the festival is also a highlight not to be missed. Big names in Vietnamese music such as Trong Tan, Tung Duong, Tan Nhan, People's Artist Hong Luu... performed immortal songs praising Uncle Ho, the homeland and the country. On the lyrical music background, artists and the people harmonized, creating a touching chorus, recreating his portrait not only with sound and light, but also with faith, love, pride and admiration.

The Sen Village Festival in 2025 is an opportunity for compatriots nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and those who love Vietnam to return to their roots and relive the eternal values ​​that President Ho Chi Minh left behind. A festival not only to commemorate, but also to fuel and remind the present and future generations to live up to the sacred heritage that he has worked so hard to cultivate.

The “9-storey waterfall” project at the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan - President Ho Chi Minh's mother was also inaugurated. The project not only beautifies the landscape but also demonstrates the morality of “remembering the source of water”, honoring the woman who gave birth to and raised a great man for the nation. Notably, for the first time in the history of the organization, the Sen Village Festival had a 15-minute low-altitude fireworks display right after the opening ceremony, as a brilliant greeting to Uncle Ho, to the people of the whole country and international friends who are looking towards the countryside of Nghe An.

This year's festival is organized on a national scale, converging a series of unique activities lasting a week: the "Journey following Uncle Ho's footsteps - For the security of the Fatherland" race, traditional sports competition, photo exhibition "ASEAN Country and People", fine arts exhibition, art performance "Sen Village Singing", cultural - cinema - outstanding youth exchanges... All are like a colorful epic, connecting the past - present - future with love for the homeland, country and respect for the beloved leader.

Not only a festival, this is also a special cultural - historical - spiritual convergence. The 2025 Sen Village Festival is an opportunity for compatriots nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and those who love Vietnam to return to their roots and relive the eternal values ​​that President Ho Chi Minh left behind. A festival is not only to commemorate, but also to fuel and remind today's and future generations to live up to the sacred heritage that he has worked so hard to cultivate.

Article and photos: Nguyen Minh Quan

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