Delegates performed Buddhist rituals before the procession of the statutes from Vinh Nghiem pagoda to Ha pagoda started.

The event was also attended by leaders of several ministries, agencies, mass organizations, and authorities of Yen Dung, Son Dong, Luc Nam districts, monks and nuns, local businesses, and residents. The procession ceremony took place safely and solemnly in accordance with Buddhist rituals.

On the occasion, delegates offered incenses at Vinh Nghiem and Ha pagodas. Earlier on February 9, the statues of Tam To Truc Lam were brought from a crafting facility in Y Yen district, Nam Dinh province to Vinh Nghiem pagoda. The statue of sitting Buddhist King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong weighs 700kg while the remaining standing Phap Loa and Huyen Quang statues weigh 300kg each.

Procession of Tam To Truc Lam statues

On February 26, upon learning about the procession of Tam To Truc Lam statues to Ha pagoda, thousands of tourists flocked to the site to pray for blessings. Not only domestic tourists, a number of foreign visitors, including those from the Republic of Korea, were also present at the pagoda to give offerings.

According to public security forces from Son Dong district, all officers and soldiers were deployed to stay on guard and ensure security in the festival venue and the locality. With thoroughly-prepared plan such as directing traffic and reminding visitors to follow travel regulations, security and order were ensured.

Many people welcomed and witnessed statue procession.

Though put into operation recently, communications via Vinaphone and Viettel telecom services were smooth. In the tourism complex of nearly 10 ha, the organizing board arranged many rubbish bins in appropriate locations and raised public awareness of following sanitation rules. Over 100 voluntary young people regularly collected rubbish in designated places.

Folk games were also held such as tug of war, cane pulling, blindfolding, earthenware pot striking, and more.

Procession of Truc Lam Tam To statues to Ha pagoda.

Communes and towns of Son Dong district also popularised traditional cultural values and introduced outstanding products of local ethnic groups.

On February 26 evening, a music show was staged by nearly 50 artists, actresses and composers of Bac Giang Traditional Operetta Theatre.

The 120-minute show featured folk songs, love duets, songs praising the Party and Uncle Ho, the country and people, entertaining visitors and local residents with outstanding songs such as “Dat nuoc loi ru”, “Pac Bo hat mai ten Nguoi” and “Duyen Dang Viet Nam” dances.

Thanh Hai – Nguyen Huong