Vu Thu district in the northern province of Thai Binh held a ceremony on October 29 to begin Keo Pagoda festival and receive a certificate recognising it as national intangible cultural heritage.
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Buddhist offerings - a ritual of Keo Pagoda festival
(Source: VNA)
The festival is held
annually from the 10th to 15th day of the ninth lunar month to honour Zen
Master Khong Lo (1016-1094) – founder of the Keo Pagoda.
It features religious rituals and communal activities such as Buddhist
offerings, palanquin parades, love duet singing on boats, and folk games.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Dang Thi
Bich Lien asked Thai Binh province to complete a project to preserve and
develop the festival.
The relic site management board and Vu Thu district authorities were asked to
ensure safety and order for the festival and promote its values to visitors.
Keo pagoda was founded in 1061. After it was swept away by a flood in 1611, the
pagoda was rebuilt in 1632 and most of its architectural features, including 17
structures with 128 rooms, remain until today. In 2012, it was recognised as a
national special relic site.
In addition to the autumn festival, another spring festival takes place here
annually on the 4th day of the first lunar month.
The pagoda attracts more than 2,500 visitors to Thai Binh every year.-
Source: VNA
On February 12th (i.e. Lunar January 15), the People's Committee of Hop Tien commune, Kim Boi district organized the Festival of Sim Pagoda Festival in At Ty Spring, 2025. The festival welcomed many people and tourists to visit the pagoda and enjoy the scenery.
The palanquin procession to Sim Pagoda.
As Hoa Binh province is set to host 115 spring festivals, local departments, sectors and localities are joining hands to ensure safety for the events.
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On the first day back to work and school after the Lunar New Year holiday, thousands of female officials, civil servants, and students from grade nine and above in Lac Son district proudly wore the traditional Muong attire. The vibrant brocade patterns created a striking cultural display, reinforcing the community's commitment to preserving and promoting their heritage.
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