The festival, which is usually held from the 17th to the 19th days of the second lunar month, honours Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, while praying for peace and prosperity around the country.

It is one of the traditional events associated with the religious life of Buddhist dignitaries and followers, as well as local residents featuring a combination of Buddhist values, the people, and Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) scenic spot.

This year’s event will include a wide range of rituals, along with cultural and sporting activities such as the ceremony of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, an incense offering ceremony to worship Huyen Tran Princess, a ritual to pray for national prosperity and people’s peace, and traditional boat racing.

A national Olympic Run Day for public health and a Peace Walk programme will also be held during the festival.

There will be also a seminar on the value of "Ma nhai” Steles on Ngu Hanh Son Mountain which is recognised as part of the documentary heritage under the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP).

In 2000, the Quan The Am festival was ranked as one of the 15 biggest nationwide. It has attracted a lot of Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers across the country.

It contributes to preserving the national cultural identity and promoting Da Nang’s tourism to both domestic and foreign visitors.

Quan The Am Pagoda, built in 1957, is located at the foot of the Kim Son (Metal Mountain) in the Marble Mountain, which boasts wonderful natural landscapes with several ancient pagodas, mysterious caves, and picturesque scenery.

Quan The Am festival brings foreign guests

One of the country’s largest festivals, the Quan The Am festival in central Danang city, will be held on March 16 at the Quan The Am Pagoda in Hoa Vang district.