Quả Sơn Temple Festival 2015

(Baonghean.vn) - On the morning of March 10th, Do Luong district organized the 2015 Qua Son Temple Festival. This is a traditional festival held annually from the 18th to the 20th day of the first lunar month.

Overview of the procession

Quả Sơn Temple is a place of worship for Uy Minh Vương Lý Nhật Quang and other deities. Uy Minh Vương Lý Nhật Quang was the eighth son of King Lý Công Uẩn. He was instrumental in establishing settlements, fighting foreign invaders, securing the borders, and developing agriculture in the Hoan Châu region 1,000 years ago.

According to historians, Uy Minh Vương Lý Nhật Quang was one of the nine most distinguished figures of Đại Việt (Vietnam). Because of his immense contributions and profound gratitude, after his death, the people erected a temple at the foot of Quả Sơn mountain in Bồi Sơn commune, Đô Lương district, to hold an annual festival expressing their appreciation for him.

Previously, the temple consisted of 7 buildings and 42 rooms, situated on a large plot of land, where people offered incense and worshipped year-round. Through the ups and downs of history and the vicissitudes of time, after numerous renovations and restorations, Quả Sơn Temple has become a spiritual destination for locals and visitors from all over.

In 1995, the temple was recognized as a National Historical Monument. The temple has an upper, middle, and lower hall connected in the shape of the Chinese character "gong" (工), dedicated to Uy Minh Vương Lý Nhật Quang; there is a left wing dedicated to Đông Chinh Vương Lý Lực and a right wing dedicated to Dực Thánh Vương, two famous generals of Lý Nhật Quang.

In addition, the temple houses a unique ancient statue of King Uy Minh Ly Nhat Quang, dragon thrones, and thousands of ceremonial artifacts. The Quả Sơn Temple festival, dating back to the Ly Dynasty, is considered the oldest, most majestic, and most spectacular festival in the region.

Every year, from January 18th to 20th, Do Luong district, along with the people of Bach Ngoc and tourists, organizes the Qua Son Temple Festival with its unique characteristics, taking place both on land and on water.

The festival also features many activities such as traditional boat racing, wrestling, stick pushing, volleyball matches, and cultural and artistic performances.

The Quả Sơn Temple Festival contributes to reviving the fine tradition of "Drinking water, remembering the source," honoring the great contributions of Uy Minh Vương Lý Nhật Quang, encouraging martial spirit and solidarity among all strata of the people, and at the same time contributing to the preservation and promotion of folk and traditional cultural values, creating a joyful and healthy atmosphere in the early days of spring.

Huu Hoan