Another festival in Cu Lao Pho recognized as national intangible cultural heritage

Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Son Hung presents the decision to recognize national intangible cultural heritage to the Nguyen Huu Canh Temple's Worship Committee - Photo: AN BINH

On June 11, Dong Nai province solemnly held the death anniversary of Thanh Hau Nguyen Huu Canh in 2025 and presented the decision to recognize it as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The event was held at the Nguyen Huu Canh Temple and Tomb in Cu Lao Pho (now Hiep Hoa Ward, Bien Hoa City).

At the death anniversary ceremony, delegates participated in the parade with offerings, performed the ritual of offering offerings, burning incense, releasing lucky balloons; read a congratulatory speech to commemorate the merits of Le Thanh Hau Nguyen Huu Canh, and reviewed the history of the formation and development of Bien Hoa - Dong Nai land.

Within the framework of the memorial ceremony, there will also be a painting contest with themes of historical figures and beautiful landscapes of Bien Hoa, releasing flower lanterns on the Dong Nai River in front of the relic and artistic fireworks display.

327 years ago (in 1698), General Nguyen Huu Canh was sent by Lord Nguyen to the South to open up new territories and establish a formal administrative system.

Nguyen Huu Canh's fleet went up the Dong Nai River to Cu Lao Pho, summoned local elders to order the organization of life, established a register, and established Tran Bien Palace, starting the period when the southern region became an administrative part of Dang Trong.

In 1700, Nguyen Huu Canh passed away. The people of Bien Hoa - Dong Nai respected his contributions and converted Binh Hoanh communal house of Binh Hoanh village, Bien town into Binh Kinh communal house to worship him with deep admiration, forever remembering his contributions to the enlightenment of Dong Nai.

Painter Mai Van Nhon presents a portrait of Le Thanh Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh to the Nguyen Huu Canh Temple's Board of Trustees - Photo: AN BINH

At the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Son Hung - Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee - emphasized that the death anniversary of Duc Ong is not only an activity to commemorate a founding father but also a symbol of the spirit of remembering the source of drinking water, showing deep gratitude to the person who contributed to the exploration and construction of Dong Nai - Southern region.

This year's anniversary is more special as it was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

To preserve and promote the value of the death anniversary of Thanh Hau Nguyen Huu Canh, Mr. Hung suggested that the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinate with localities and relevant units to preserve and restore the original values of the festival.

Research and prepare scientific documents to advise the Provincial People's Committee to submit to the Prime Minister for decision to recognize as a special national relic in the coming time...

Cu Lao Pho has two national intangible cultural heritages.

On June 3, along with the death anniversary of Thanh Hau Nguyen Huu Canh, the Sayangva festival (rice god worship) of the Choro people in Dong Nai was also included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In particular, the death anniversary of Thanh Hau Nguyen Huu Canh is held on the 14th and 15th of the 5th lunar month to commemorate the contributions of famous general Nguyen Huu Canh, who contributed to expanding the southern territory.

The Sayangva festival is a traditional festival of the Choro people, taking place from the 15th of February to the 15th of April of the lunar calendar every year. This is the biggest festival of the Choro people, praying for favorable weather, bountiful crops, peaceful life, prosperity and happiness for every family.

During the festival, the Choro people perform gongs together, compete in tug of war, sack race, crossbow shooting, blindfolded piggy bank smashing, and enjoy bamboo rice and can wine.

Previously, in November 2023, Ong Pagoda Festival (Cu Lao Pho) was the first heritage of Dong Nai to be included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/them-le-hoi-o-cu-lao-pho-duoc-cong-nhan-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-quoc-gia-20250611151616802.htm