Valentine's Day is just before Tet (Lunar New Year), and the famous temple for praying for love is unexpectedly quiet.

On February 14th, just before the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, many young people visited Ha Pagoda to light incense, offer thanks, and pray for a year filled with good fortune, peace, and new romantic relationships.

On Valentine's Day, February 14th, Ha Pagoda (Cau Giay Ward) continues to be a familiar meeting place for locals, especially young people.

The grounds of Ha Pagoda were bustling with worshippers, especially young people. Many brought meticulously prepared offerings with fresh flowers, cakes, betel nuts, etc., all offered to the altar with reverence. The prices of these prepared offerings ranged from 100,000 to 150,000 VND.

According to observations at Ha Pagoda, in contrast to the crowds of people praying for love at the beginning of the year, the atmosphere in the last days of the year is somewhat calmer and more peaceful. Many young people shared that they came not only to pray for good fortune as usual, but also to express gratitude for the past year. In the final moments of the year, offering incense is seen as a way to close the old chapter, conveying hopes for a peaceful, prosperous new year filled with good things to come.

With the belief that "respecting traditions brings blessings," many people believe that sincerely offering prayers at temples helps to improve their romantic relationships. Each part of the ceremony is carefully prepared, demonstrating reverence upon entering this spiritual space.

Nguyen Huong Ly (24 years old, Tu Liem ward) said that although the past year was full of changes, it passed peacefully. At the end of the year, she chose to return to Ha Pagoda to express her gratitude and pray for a peaceful and successful new year.

“In the last days of the year, I want to go to Ha Pagoda to offer thanks and reflect on what I've experienced over the past year. After many changes, I only hope for a more stable new year, with smoother and more peaceful work and life. I also hope to meet a suitable partner, someone I can be with completely and sincerely,” shared Ms. Ta Huyen Trang (28 years old, Dan Phuong).

For many years, Ha Pagoda has been considered a familiar spiritual destination for Hanoi residents, especially young people, who believe in praying for love at the beginning of each year. The image of long lines of people offering incense has become a familiar sight every spring.

Besides sincerely offering incense at the main hall, many young people also proactively help carry offerings, arrange the offerings neatly, or feed the fish in the pond within the temple grounds. These small actions help maintain order and discipline at the Buddhist temple.

According to folk beliefs, feeding fish and birds or releasing them into the wild is considered a way to sow good karma and accumulate blessings for oneself and one's family. For many young people, this is not only a religious ritual but also a way to express wishes for peace, good fortune, and positive things in the coming new year.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, visiting temples and shrines at the end of the year is gradually becoming a cultural tradition for some young people. It not only holds religious significance but also helps them balance their emotions, close out the old year peacefully, and start the new year with positive belief.

Source: https://znews.vn/valentine-sat-tet-chua-cau-duyen-noi-tieng-tram-lang-bat-ngo-post1628175.html