Join hands to restore Choong Temple relic

(Baonghean) - Choong Temple has both historical and cultural value and scientific and aesthetic significance. It is a place of spiritual activities for ethnic minorities in Quy Hop as well as neighboring areas.

The restoration of the sacred temple in the Western region of Nghe An is the result of the efforts and coordination between authorities at all levels and the people, including the significant contribution of local businesses.

Leveling the grounds of Choong Temple.

Timely attention

Restoring Choong Temple has long been the earnest wish of the ethnic minorities in the mountainous district of Quy Hop. Based on that legitimate wish, the Party Committee and the government of Quy Hop district have taken steps to show close attention, timely support and direction for the restoration of this meaningful historical relic.

Among them, it is perhaps impossible not to mention the careful and elaborate preparation of the Choong Temple relic restoration project, the timely urging of the district leaders to establish the project Steering Committee, and quickly seek opinions from provincial departments and branches to soon realize the long-standing wishes of the local government and people.

July 8, 2011 became an important milestone when the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism agreed to restore and embellish Choong Temple, Chau Ly Commune, and the District People's Committee agreed to allow the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Joint Stock Company under the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association to create a perspective to restore and embellish the relic.

Along with that, we cannot forget to mention the proactive and active role of the Party Committee and the People's Committee of Chau Ly commune in coordinating with relevant departments and units to perform well the task of restoring Choong temple. Among them, the pioneering example is the Party Secretary of Chau Ly commune, Cao Duy Thai, who has spent many years diligently writing historical records of Muong Choong land, and created an online blog that attracted nearly 60,000 viewers to learn about the origin and history of the land and people here.

In the days leading up to this year's festival, even though I met Cao Duy Thai in Chau Ly, it was difficult to sit and chat with him for long, because he was busy with all sorts of tasks to ensure the festival went smoothly. Visitors coming here will feel the thoughtfulness and warmth of the local people.

Stage construction for Choong Temple festival activities.

The people's sincerity

Besides favorable mechanisms and policies, and the enthusiasm of those who shoulder the responsibility of leadership and direction, today's success of the Choong Temple ruins restoration project also depends significantly on socialized capital, or contributions from businesses and local people.

Mr. Vo Toan Thang - Vice Chairman of the District Small and Medium Enterprises Association said that after Quy Hop established the Steering Committee for the restoration and renovation of Choong Temple, with the core being the District Small and Medium Enterprises Association, up to now, about 40 enterprises have supported and sponsored cash, machinery, working days, green trees, ornamental plants and other artifacts, with a total value of more than 7 billion VND in the process of restoring the Choong Temple Historical Relic Site. Among them, Phu Quy Stone and Mineral Joint Stock Company donated 850 million VND, Trung Hai Mineral and Trading Joint Stock Company donated 465 million VND, Long Anh Private Enterprise donated 400 million VND, etc.

Local people and surrounding areas also strive to create the most favorable conditions possible for the restoration and renovation of the temple to take place on schedule and according to the plan. Households living around the temple for many years are ready to relocate and donate land to clear the ground for construction. Youth forces, militia, women's associations, veterans, etc. also enthusiastically contribute working days, spending their free time clearing grass and weeds, leveling rocks and soil, planting trees, etc.

In general, in the spirit of mobilizing all possible resources, the Choong temple project as well as this year's festival have been strengthened in terms of human resources, financial resources and material resources, thereby reflecting the position of the temple in the consciousness of every child of Quy Hop homeland.

Militia forces clean up the landscape in the Choong Temple grounds before the festival.

Building historical, cultural and spiritual sites

Thanks to the joint efforts of all parties, the achievements to date are the completion of the Thuong Temple and some other items, the Choong Temple has come into operation and has a great influence in the community, meeting the religious needs of local people and visitors from near and far.

Overall assessment of the results of coordination between the government and the people to restore the sacred temple of the Thai people, Mr. Vo Sy Son - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quy Hop district, Head of the Temple Management Board said: "Restoring the Choong temple and the festival is a popular work, enthusiastically supported by many parties. In the past time, the restoration work has been going smoothly, thanks to the strong direction of the District Party Committee and the District People's Committee; in addition to the joint efforts, consensus, voluntary relocation and site clearance from the people; human resources and financial contributions from businesses, the sacred temple has been given a new look. The people of Chau Ly commune in particular and Quy Hop in general are currently very excited, waiting for the opening day of the Choong temple festival, believing that the festival will be a great success".

New look of Choong temple after restoration.

Coming to Choong Temple this year, visitors cannot help but be impressed by the majestic and beautiful appearance of the temple after completing the basic items. That is a testament to the determination of the people of Phu Quy land, to soon make Choong Temple the most beautiful and majestic temple in Western Nghe An.

Thu Giang