The ceremony, which included blessings for longevity and the inauguration of the Medicine Buddha ritual, was conducted in accordance with traditional Buddhist rites. The event formed part of the annual Ba Vang Pagoda Festival, one of the largest spring festivals in northern Vietnam.

Traditionally opening on the 8th day of the first lunar month, the festival draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists who come to offer incense, pray for peace and prosperity, and immerse themselves in spiritual and cultural activities.

Located halfway up Thanh Dang Mountain in Uong Bi ward, Quang Ninh province, Ba Vang Pagoda dates back to the Tran Dynasty in the 13th century. Over centuries, the pagoda endured war and natural devastation before being restored through multiple renovation phases, notably in 1988 and 1993.

In recent years, it has been expanded into one of the largest pagodas in northern Vietnam, featuring a grand main hall spanning thousands of square meters and a tranquil setting overlooking majestic mountain landscapes.

At the start of the lunar year, Buddhists and visitors travel to the pagoda to pray for peace, good health, family harmony and success in the year ahead, reflecting a deeply rooted spiritual tradition in Vietnamese culture. As in previous years, the pagoda provides free vegetarian meals, drinking water and parking services for attendees, contributing to an orderly and welcoming festival atmosphere.

Fire-making and rice-cooking contest enlivens Lunar New Year festival

VOV.VN - The traditional “running- fire-making -rice-cooking” contest is held annually on the eighth day of the first lunar month at Thi Cam communal house in Xuan Phuong ward, Hanoi. The event recreates the spirit of military training in ancient times while preserving a longstanding cultural tradition.