Bustling opening ceremony of Bach Ma Temple Festival 2018

The procession of gods in Bach Ma Temple Festival. Photo: Huy Thu

Bach Ma Temple was built during the Le Dynasty, worshiping the famous general Phan Da - who had great contributions in the cause of repelling the Ming army to liberate the country in the 15th century, and was posthumously honored as "The Great Emperor Bach Ma, the Supreme God of Fortune".

The temple consists of three gates, ceremonial gate, left and right wings, lower, middle and upper halls with unique architecture, and is one of the four most beautiful and sacred temples in Nghe An. The feudal dynasties of Vietnam listed the temple as an "international ritual" and granted more than 100 royal decrees.

The temple was recognized by the State as a Historical, Cultural and Architectural Relic in 1994.

The unique wrestling game of Thanh Chuong people always attracts tourists. Photo: Huy Thu

Immediately after the opening ceremony, at the temple yard and stadiums in Vo Liet commune, there were sports competitions, folk games, poetry exchanges... In particular, in the festival yard, there was a booth displaying and introducing famous specialties of Thanh Chuong such as jackfruit, black plum, Dien grapefruit... quite attractive.

Thousands of people watch volleyball matches on the festival field. Photo: Huy Thu

At the same time, at the tomb of famous general Phan Da in Thanh Long commune, a ceremony was held to commemorate the brave general who sacrificed his life for the cause of national liberation.

Next, at Phu Ngoai in Khai Tien village, Vo Liet commune, an incense offering ceremony was also held to pay tribute to the birth and upbringing of the famous general Phan Da's parents.

Pot smashing game and belly laughs. Photo: Huy Thu

The procession from Bach Ma Temple to Phu Ngoai is an important highlight of the Bach Ma Temple Festival. The procession passes through almost all villages in Vo Liet commune, covering a distance of nearly 7 km. Along the way, each village sets up an altar and organizes a solemn welcome and thanksgiving ceremony.

On the night of March 25, there will be a cultural exchange program and a beauty contest at the temple yard. The festival will take place on March 25 and 26 with many exciting cultural and sports activities.

Booth displaying famous Thanh Chuong specialties such as jackfruit pickles, black canarium, Dien grapefruit... at the festival. Photo: Huy Thu

Coming to Bach Ma Temple Festival to commemorate the merits of ancestors, visitors can not only immerse themselves in the sacred festival space and unique folk games, but also admire the beautiful landscape and enjoy the famous specialties of the countryside of Nhut./.