The event was organized by the Center for Historical Research and National Cultural Heritage Conservation (Institute for Cultural and Development Studies).

This was a space for exchange, meeting, and sharing between artisans, mediums, incense holders, and practitioners of Mother Goddess worship in the country.

The event was also an important opportunity to promote the local heritage value to researchers and practitioners of Mother Goddess worship across the country, contributing to honoring and spreading the value of the Cho Cui National Temple Relic - a special spiritual and cultural address of the region.

During the event, 30 artisans and mediums conducted carefully prepared sessions of spirit mediumship, demonstrating their skill, understanding, and respect for the heritage of the practice of worshipping the Three Realms of Mother Goddesses of the Vietnamese people.

Artisan Nguyễn Thị Hường performs session of spirit mediumship

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the program, Deputy Director of the Institute for Cultural and Development Studies cum Head of the Organizing Committee Nguyễn Danh Hòa affirmed: This exchange program is one of the practical activities to implement the National Action Program on protecting and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of the practice of worshipping the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms of the Vietnamese people.

The Mother Goddess worship deeply reflects the concept of the Mother - the protector and preserver of life. The spirit mediumship ritual (Len Dong) - the center of the belief - is a unique combination of performing arts, music, sacred dance, and traditional costumes; expressing the depth of belief and Vietnamese cultural identity.

This belief exists, is nurtured, and passed on not only by the community but also by the passion, heart, and talent of the artisans, mediums, and teachers. Your presence today - each with a role - contributes to continuing the source of a priceless heritage..., the Head of the Program Organizing Committee added.

At the 11^th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held on December 1, 2016, the practice of worshipping the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms of the Vietnamese people was honored to be listed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is the pride of the practicing community, the Vietnamese people, and the national culture.

Artists and mediums who practically contributed to success of the program received Certificates of Recommendations from Program Organizing Committee

Cho Cui Temple located on the southern bank of Lam River, at the foot of Tam Ky Mountain (Thap Mountain), is one of the famous spiritual relics of the Nghe An region. Two major festivals are annually held, including the death anniversary of the Holy Mother (on 3^rd of the third lunar month) and the Cho Cui Temple festival (on 10^th of the tenth lunar month) - the day considered as the death anniversary of Hoang Muoi Mandarin, who is honored and remembered by the locals.

Linh Nguyen