Que Phong organizes the Nine-Room Temple Festival in 2023

In 2023, Que Phong district will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its founding. Therefore, this year, the Nine-room Temple will only hold the ceremony.

Procession at the Nine-Room Temple. Photo: Van Thanh

The Nine-Chamber Temple was built in the early 14th century in Pu Cho Nhang, called Ten Pom (temple on the mountain), in Khoang village, Chau Kim commune, Que Phong district.

In the minds of the Thai people in Phu Quy area, this is a place to turn to in their spiritual beliefs towards Then Pha (heaven), Nang Xi Da (daughter of heaven) and Tao Lo Y - the person considered to have the first merit in opening up the land.

The temple is called "Ten xo quai" (Hien Trau temple), but because it has 9 rooms, the locals call it "ten cau hoong" (meaning Nine-room temple), each room represents a Muong: Muong Ton, Muong Pan, Muong Chun, Muong Hin, Muong Puoc, Muong Quang, Muong Ha Quen, Muong Mieng, Muong Chon.

Although this year there was no festival, many ethnic people inside and outside the district came to offer incense at Chin Gian Temple.

The organization of the Nine-Room Temple Festival revives the traditions and unique cultural products of the Thai people in the Western Nghe An region. It is an opportunity for people from the nine ancient Muongs to make a pilgrimage, meet, exchange, join hands with friends, and strengthen solidarity among ethnic groups.

The Nine-Chamber Temple Festival takes place with many activities, the ceremonial part includes the opening ceremony, the Yet cao ceremony (Khây quan ceremony), the buffalo bathing ceremony and the procession ceremony (ap Quái and ton Đăm-ton Then), the buffalo slaughtering ceremony (phan Quái ceremony), the great sacrifice ceremony (xò Thế ceremony, xo Đăm ceremony), the opening ceremony and the thanksgiving ceremony (cha on ceremony - Thao quan).

Some pictures at the Nine-Room Temple festival:

A procession of gods at the Festival. Photo: Van Thanh

The procession was held solemnly. Photo: Van Thanh

Buffalo bathing ceremony. Photo: Van Thanh

Buffalo bathing is a ritual performed after the procession that usually lasts all morning. Photo: Van Thanh