Sacred Festival at the Temple of King Quang Trung

(Baonghean) - Nghe An province boasts many picturesque landscapes and famous scenic spots that are well-known to many. Visitors to Nghe An cannot miss visiting the temple of King Quang Trung – a cultural and spiritual landmark with many mysterious and majestic features. Especially during the Lunar New Year, thousands of people from all over flock here to offer prayers and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

220 years ago, after ascending the throne and marching north to drive out the invading Qing army, when stopping in his ancestral homeland of Nghe An, Emperor Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue remarked: "The Yen Truong region has a strategically important and favorable location for building a capital city."

Bronze drum performance at the Quang Trung Temple Festival. Photo: Thanh Thủy

Therefore, on September 3rd of the 11th year of Thai Duc (October 1st, 1788), Emperor Quang Trung sent a decree to La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep, deciding to choose this land to establish the capital, naming it Phuong Hoang - Trung Do. Right on this land of yesteryear, exactly 220 years later, on May 7th, 2008, the temple dedicated to King Quang Trung was inaugurated.

The Phoenix Citadel became a historical landmark in the life and great career of Emperor Quang Trung, and a symbol of the formation and development of Vinh City later on. The temple dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue is built on the second peak of Dung Quyet Mountain, 92 meters above sea level. The complex includes main sections such as the Front Hall, Middle Hall, Rear Hall, Left and Right Wings, etc., all designed grandly and harmoniously with nature. The temple is the people's wish to honor the national hero, and it has become an attractive cultural and tourist destination.

Every year, the Quang Trung Emperor Temple holds two major festivals: the 29th day of the 7th lunar month – the anniversary of Emperor Quang Trung's death, and the 5th day of the 1st lunar month – the anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da Victory. Especially on the anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da Victory, the Quang Trung Emperor Temple organizes a ceremony to issue amulets and blessings, praying for peace and good fortune for everyone in the new year.

Tug-of-war competition at the Quang Trung Temple Festival. Photo: Thanh Thủy

Besides enjoying the cultural and spiritual values, admiring the beautiful natural scenery, and the tranquil and sacred atmosphere of the Quang Trung Emperor Temple, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the special flavor of "bitter tea" harvested by the Management Board from naturally grown bitter tea plants on Dung Quyet mountain where the temple is located.

Every year on the 5th day of the first lunar month, people from all over the province flock to the Quang Trung Temple Festival. The Quang Trung Temple Festival is organized to honor the great contributions of the national hero Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue, who fought against foreign invaders and unified the country; to meet the people's needs for enjoyment and creation of cultural, spiritual, and emotional values ​​towards Emperor Quang Trung; and to further promote and develop the cultural and spiritual values ​​of the Quang Trung Temple, in conjunction with activities aimed at developing tourism and services.

Quang Trung Temple always attracts visitors from near and far. Photo: Thanh Thuy

This year, the 228th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da victory will be celebrated solemnly, safely, and economically; the commemoration ceremony for Emperor Quang Trung will be grand, creating a sacred atmosphere, focusing on our roots, and adhering to the procedures and guidelines of the relevant authorities. To date, all preparations for the commemoration have been implemented by the Vinh City People's Committee and assigned to specific members. In particular, emphasis will be placed on publicizing the event through mass media before, during, and after the commemoration so that people inside and outside the province are informed.

Thanh Hien