The beauty of Binh Ngo

(Baonghean) - People say Binh Ngo is the "heart" of Phuong region (Thanh Giang, Thanh Chuong). This culturally rich area still preserves many ancient beauties.

The countryside is rich in sediment.

On the banks of the Lam River, the Ban Huyen Temple still stands, dedicated to Phan Thang – the deputy general of Phan Da, a historical site marking a glorious era of resistance against the Ming army. The sacred temple, consisting of two upper and lower buildings, has been restored and upgraded by the villagers, raising the entire grounds to a height of 5-7 meters, adding many new features, and purchasing a full set of ritual objects.

In Binh Ngo, there still stands an ancient communal house dedicated to the village's guardian deities, Tran Hung Hoc and Tran Hung Nhuong – ancestors who contributed to the nation. The Bich Thi communal house, with its three bays and 24 sturdy ironwood pillars, was built during the reign of Emperor Thanh Thai in the late 19th century. For nearly 120 years, it has witnessed the many ups and downs of the history of Phuong region. During the Nghe Tinh Soviet movement, the red flag with the hammer and sickle flew atop the banyan tree next to the communal house. Local people gathered in front of the communal house, holding rallies and demonstrations, marching towards the district capital. During the August Revolution, amidst the earth-shattering momentum, Comrade Nguyen Con (later Deputy Prime Minister) came here to lead the people in seizing power.

Under the village communal house

Visiting Binh Ngo without going to Phuong Market is like not having explored the unique rural charm of the area. This is an ancient market, formerly known as "Binh Ngo Thi," which, after numerous relocations due to wars, is now situated along the riverbank. In the center stands a large communal house, surrounded by rows of stalls selling all kinds of agricultural products from Bich Hao and the surrounding areas: bananas, jackfruit, pigs, chickens, etc. People from all over flock here by land and river to buy and sell, creating a bustling scene of boats and people on the river.

Although not Sa Nam, Phuong Market was once a place where "rice cakes captivated everyone," causing many travelers to fall in love with "rice cakes with ash-flavored toppings that sold out quickly," or be seduced by the rich, rustic pork offal and blood pudding dishes.

Binh Ngo is famous in Phuong region, a rural area that still preserves traditional opera and chicken dance – traditional forms of singing and dancing passed down from our ancestors, with many once-famous performances such asThoai Khanh - Chau Tuan, The Blood-Stained Sword, Trung Trac, Luu Binh - Duong Le…

During festivals, New Year celebrations, and spring festivals, the villagers eagerly rehearse plays and operas. The captivating performances by passionate peasant actors are an indispensable source of spiritual nourishment. For the people of Binh Ngo, traditional opera is an integral part of their cultural heritage, closely intertwined with village life and enduring through generations.

A land of warmth and affection

Binh Ngo is beautiful not only because of its picturesque scenery, a rural area rich in cultural heritage with temples, communal houses, markets, and wharves, a region known for its studiousness and numerous scholars and historical figures, but also because it is a rural area of ​​hardworking people with a strong spirit of solidarity, living with integrity and compassion.

Phuong ferry terminal

With 170 households and 800 inhabitants, the hamlet is a model hamlet always at the forefront of the new rural development movement in Thanh Giang commune. It boasts the most prosperous economic life in the commune, with many of its children going out to study and achieve success; many working abroad; and many families excelling in livestock farming, trading, and business.

In Binh Ngo, traveling along Provincial Road 533, winding through rows of tall buildings and bustling shops, it feels like being on a city street. Many families in the neighborhood, who were once struggling, have quickly risen to a comfortable life. It's clear that the process of "urbanization" is rapidly underway here. Historical sites have been restored, public works have been and are being built, and the well-maintained village roads, 3.5 meters wide and paved with concrete, connect the hamlets – all thanks to the collective efforts and unity of the local people.

Not only in construction and development, but also in their emotional lives, the villagers have always been united and supportive of one another. People in Binh Ngo often mention Mr. Nguyen Van Than (78 years old) – a disabled veteran (category 4/4), retired since 1984, who is a typical example of a veteran doing charity work in the entire commune.

Since 2010, every Lunar New Year, he has dedicated a portion of his salary to helping impoverished families, hoping they can have a warmer and more comfortable holiday. Every year on the 25th of the 12th lunar month, at the village hall, he collaborates with the local Front Committee to distribute gifts to needy and disadvantaged families, including sticky rice, regular rice, and cash (worth 5 million VND). His concrete actions are noble and practical gestures, demonstrating the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, helping to strengthen community bonds.

Binh Ngo is beautiful, full of potential, and rich in historical and cultural traditions from ancient times to the present day. Who, having visited once, can fail to cherish the memories and feel a deep affection for it?

Huy Thu