The opening ceremony started with folk music performances including Quan Ho (love duet singing) and Chau Van (spiritual singing) as well as Tu Lan (unicorn) dances.

In preparation for the festival, My Duc district invested more than VND20 billion (US$1 million) to upgrade infrastructure and train local people in Huong Son communes about security and food safety.

A modern waste treatment line was also installed to ensure environmental sanitation during the event.

Vietnam’s largest and longest Buddhist festival will last until April 30 (April 10 according to the lunar calendar).