The annual spring festival of Bai Dinh pagoda has officially been kicked off on February 24 in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province.
Attending the festival opening ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, representatives from central and local authorities, and tens of thousands of monks, nuns, Buddhists and visitors across the nation.
Tens of thousands of visitors and Buddhists flock to Bai Dinh pagoda
Deputy Prime Minister and local authorities offer incense.
The pagoda dates back over a millennium and it is currently one of largest pagodas in Southeast Asia. Its national treasures include a 30-tonne bronze bell, 150-tonne Buddha bronze statue and 500 Arhat statues.
The festival includes holy ceremonies, folk games and art performances, and aims to commemorate two national heroines, Trung Trac and her younger sister Trung Nhi who rode elephants to lead the revolt against Chinese dominion which brought independence for the country, inspired national pride and taught younger generations about Vietnam’s patriotic traditions.
During the event, Deputy PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc beat the drum of the Bai Dinh pagoda for the opening of the festival and released birds symbolizing the hope for peace, good weather and prosperity for all throughout the new year.
Deputy PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc beats the drum to open the festival.
The Bai Dinh pagoda festival traditionally opens on the sixth day of the first lunar month and closes at the end of the 3rd lunar month.
Source Dân Trí
