The 2018 Bach Ma Temple Festival was held with great fanfare.

Procession of the deity during the Bach Ma Temple Festival. Photo: Huy Thu

The Bach Ma Temple was built during the Le Dynasty and is dedicated to the famous general Phan Da, who made significant contributions to the expulsion of the Ming army and the liberation of the country in the 15th century. He was posthumously honored as "Do Thien Dai De Bach Ma Thuong Dang Phuc Than".

The temple comprises a triple gate, ceremonial gate, left and right side halls, lower, middle, and upper halls, with unique architecture, making it one of the four most beautiful and sacred temples in Nghe An province. Vietnamese feudal dynasties listed the temple as an "international ceremonial site" and bestowed over 100 royal decrees upon it.

The temple was recognized by the State as a Historical and Cultural Monument - Architectural and Artistic Site in 1994.

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

Immediately after the opening ceremony, sports competitions, folk games, and poetry exchanges took place in the temple grounds and stadiums in Vo Liet commune. Particularly noteworthy was the exhibition booth showcasing famous Thanh Chuong specialties such as jackfruit pickle, black olives, and Dien pomelo, which was quite attractive.

Thousands of people watched the volleyball match at the festival grounds. Photo: Huy Thu

At the same time, a ceremony and incense offering were held at the tomb of General Phan Đà in Thanh Long commune to commemorate the brave general who sacrificed his life for the liberation of the country.

Following that, at Phu Ngoai in Khai Tien village, Vo Liet commune, a ceremony was also held to offer incense and express gratitude for the parents of the renowned general Phan Da, who had given him life and raised him.

The game of smashing clay pots and the hilarious moments that followed. Photo: Huy Thu

The procession of the deity from Bach Ma Temple to Phu Ngoai is a significant highlight of the Bach Ma Temple Festival. The procession passes through almost all the villages in Vo Liet commune, covering a distance of nearly 7 km. Along the way, altars are set up in each village, and solemn ceremonies of welcoming and paying respects are held.

On the evening of March 25th, a cultural exchange program and beauty contest will take place in the temple courtyard. The festival will run for two days, March 25th and 26th, with many exciting cultural and sporting activities.

The exhibition booth showcased famous specialties of Thanh Chuong such as jackfruit pickle, black olives, Dien pomelo, etc., at the festival. Photo: Huy Thu

At the Bach Ma Temple Festival, commemorating the merits of our ancestors, visitors can not only immerse themselves in the sacred festival atmosphere and unique folk games, but also admire the beautiful scenery and enjoy the famous specialties of the Nhut region.