Bà Chúa Xứ Festival - A Remarkable Traditional Celebration in An Giang

Are you eager to explore the origin and significance of the Bà Chúa Xứ Mountain Sam Festival in An Giang? Get ready for your visit to An Giang in the lunar April by checking out some fascinating information about this famous traditional festival in our article!

Discovering the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival in An Giang

The Bà Chúa Xứ Festival on Núi Sam in Châu Đốc city has a long-standing history. This festival carries the profound characteristics of the ethnic culture, especially within the community of residents in the water-rich Southern region. So, what is the origin of this festival? What does it signify? Let's explore with Mytour right here.

Origin of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival

According to legend, during the period from 1820 to 1825, when the Siamese army invaded our country, they discovered a large stone statue placed on the peak of Núi Sam. Despite their efforts to carry the statue down the mountain, the statue of the Lady became increasingly heavy and could no longer be moved.

After a period, the statue of Lady Bà appeared in the dreams of many villagers. Identifying herself as Lady Bà Chúa Xứ, she requested the villagers to carry the statue down the mountain and build a temple. She promised to protect the villagers from invasions and bring favorable weather. This story directly relates to the origin of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival in An Giang later on.

Following her words, the entire village united to carry Lady Bà Chúa Xứ's statue down the mountain. However, even the strongest young men couldn't lift the statue. At this moment, a young girl claiming to be the Holy Mother appeared. She said that only 9 virgin girls could move the statue.

Indeed, the 9 virgin girls succeeded in moving the statue. Upon reaching the mountain's foot, the statue became heavy and immovable. From then on, the villagers understood that this was the chosen spot for Lady Bà to establish her temple. Subsequently, from the 22nd to the 27th of the 4th lunar month, the villagers annually organize the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival, and the story of its origin continues to be passed down to this day.

Significance of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival in An Giang

The Bà Chúa Xứ Mountain Sam Festival marks historical milestones in the process of the Vietnamese people coming to the land of An Giang. It is not only a preserved and practiced traditional event through generations but also reflects the diversity and continuity of the Kinh community in cultural, political, and economic interactions with the Khmer, Chinese, and Chăm people.

The significance of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival, also known as the Lady Bà Chúa Xứ Mountain Sam Festival, is an opportunity to strengthen unity within the Châu Đốc community while contributing to the preservation of historical values from the primitive era to the exploration of the southwestern region of the homeland.

Time and Location of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival

The Lady Bà Chúa Xứ Mountain Sam Festival is one of the largest and most significant festivals for people in the Southern provinces and the entire country. So, when is this festival usually held, and where is the festival venue?

Time

The Lady Bà Chúa Xứ Mountain Sam Festival takes place from the 23rd to the 27th of the 4th lunar month annually. In 2001, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival in An Giang as one of the important national festivals.

This festival serves as a vibrant repository of the historical imprint of the Vietnamese people when they came to the land of An Giang. The interaction and integration in the fields of economy, culture, politics, and military between the Vietnamese and the Khmer, Chinese, and Chăm ethnic groups have created crucial harmony in the process of building and defending the country.

Location

True to the origin and significance of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival, it is held at the Bà Chúa Xứ Temple on Núi Sam Mountain in Châu Đốc district, An Giang province. Moreover, on non-festival days, the Bà Chúa Xứ Temple on Núi Sam Mountain continues to attract a large number of Buddhist followers. This demonstrates their sincere reverence through offerings and prayers.

The reason for this strong attraction is that those who pray for luck, prosperity, or peace here are blessed by Lady Bà. Not only that, but the unique architecture of the location also leaves a profound impression. It combines the ancient and solemn beauty with a distinct Indian influence.

Activities at the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival

The Lady Bà Chúa Xứ Mountain Sam Festival is a significant traditional event carefully preserved through generations in Châu Đốc, An Giang province. So, what activities can you expect at this festival? What are the ceremonial rituals? Find out now with Mytour!

Ceremonial Section

Activities in the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival in An Giang include various important ceremonial rituals. Firstly, the procession of the Lady's statue from the stone platform atop Sam Mountain to the temple will take place from the 22nd of April. On the night of the 23rd and the early morning of the 24th of April, the Lady's Bathing Ceremony will occur, a discreet event exclusively for 9 virgin women.

At 3:00 PM on the 24th of April, the Offering Ceremony to Mr. Thoại Ngọc Hầu and his two consorts will be held. This ritual will be conducted by the village elders and the temple management board. On the night of the 25th and the early morning of the 26th of April during the Lady Bà Chúa Xứ Festival, the Shrine Building Ceremony and the Offering Ceremony will take place, involving rituals to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, fertile land, health, and happiness for the community.

Festival Section

After being officially recognized as a National Festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2001, the Lady Bà Chúa Xứ Festival in An Giang has seen increased investment and livelier organization. In addition to traditional ceremonies, the festival features various programs reflecting the cultural essence of the four brotherly ethnic groups: Kinh, Chinese, Chăm, and Khmer.

Traditional folk games such as Tug of War, artistic kite flying, continuous sports games, Chinese chess, cockfighting, stick pushing, human chess... Additionally, the festival features cultural and artistic activities. Examples include lion and dragon dances, balloon dances, tray and dish dances... All presented vibrantly within the festival framework.

Key Points for Participating in the An Giang Festival

If you plan to attend the Lady Bà Chúa Xứ Festival in An Giang, pay attention to the following to avoid unpleasant situations:

• Due to the festival's large attendance, facing crowded and pushing situations is inevitable. Therefore, prioritize careful possession management to avoid losses.
• For safety, limit the purchase of lanterns. Also, restrict buying roasted pork from street vendors. Instead, prepare in advance or choose from reputable stores.
• Avoid accepting money from anyone thrusting it into your hand to prevent unexpected extortion situations.

Furthermore, when participating in the festival to capture beautiful moments or take pleasing photos, you can use cameras. A sharp camera will help you capture fantastic videos or stunning photos. Some camera products you can consider are:

Beautiful Images of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival

The festival is held annually with the participation of international tourists. Capturing the beauty of the festival is essential for preserving and reminding future generations to conserve and promote this traditional value. Here are some images of the festival:

Above is the information shared about the origin and significance of the Bà Chúa Xứ Festival on Sam Mountain, An Giang, along with some notes when participating in this famous spiritual festival. It is hoped that this article will provide you with a better understanding of our country's traditional festivals and enhance your experience in participating. Wishing you a joyful and meaningful journey!

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