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The Dong Cuong Temple, located in Ben Den hamlet, Dong Cuong commune, Van Yen district, Yen Bai province, is a captivating destination for many people and tourists on their cultural and spiritual journey. On January 16, 2023, the Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 73 on the recognition of the Dong Cuong Temple Festival
The Dong Cuong Temple Festival - A highlight of spiritual tourism
Every year, the temple festival is held on the first Mao day of the first and ninth lunar months, attracting numerous people nationwide to offer incense, admire the scenery of the temple, and pray for luck, fortune, and a peaceful new year...
According to the Dai Nam Chronicle, the Dong Cuong Temple worships Cao Quan Dai Vuong, who is known as Tho Leng and Thach Khanh, credited with traveling far and wide to find valuable remedies to heal the people. Upon passing, he continued to spiritually assist military leaders in defending the borders against foreign invaders, earning the reverence of the people and the title of 'Guardian Deity of the Nation,' eventually transcending into the Upper Thousands Mothers, the cosmic mother. In 1258, General Ha Dac's righteous army, after their victory, gathered at Dong Cuong Temple and organized a celebratory feast.
Vat Hau - A ritual in the procession of the Mother across the river at the Dong Cuong Temple festival
The Dong Cuong Temple festival commences with a special ritual, the Buffalo Sacrifice ceremony, which combines ancient traditions with profound spirituality, reflecting the customs of the Tay ethnic group. The solemn ceremony sees multitudes praying for national prosperity, favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace and happiness.
Immediately following the Buffalo Sacrifice ceremony is the procession of the Mother across the river, another pivotal event of the Dong Cuong Temple festival. After escorting the Mother across the river on a large boat, worshippers and tourists alike offer incense, praying for blessings for themselves, their loved ones, and their families.
Following the ritual will be the festival part, featuring sports competitions and traditional folk games such as tug of war, stick pushing, and various folk activities like sack races, adding liveliness to the Dong Cuong Temple festival.
The Dong Cuong Temple festival embodies rich cultural and spiritual values, serving to revive our nation's glorious traditions and history.
Previously, in 2000, the Dong Cuong Mother Temple was recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic. In 2009, it was further honored as a national-level historical and cultural relic.
Posted by: Nhu Nguyen
Keyword: The Dong Cuong Temple Festival becomes a national intangible cultural heritage
