Grand opening ceremony of the Duc Hoang Temple festival in Giai Lac commune.
On the morning of March 19th, in Giai Lac commune (Nghe An province), the 24th Duc Hoang Temple Festival - 2026 officially opened in a solemn and respectful atmosphere, attracting a large number of local officials, people, and visitors from all over to attend.
The Duc Hoang Temple has long been an important religious center for the local people. According to historical sources and folk traditions, the temple was built in the 13th century and is located in the ancient Phuc Thanh area, now Giai Lac commune, within the former Dong Yen cultural space – a place that brings together many historical relics and famous scenic spots.
The temple is dedicated to celestial and human deities who contributed to protecting the nation and its people, most notably Sat Hai Dai Vuong Hoang Ta Thon – a talented general during the Tran dynasty.
Legend has it that Hoang Ta Thon played a significant role in attracting settlers and establishing villages, stabilizing the lives of the people, and also participated in fighting against the Mongol invaders in the 13th century. He made an important contribution to maintaining peace in the country. After his death, the imperial court bestowed titles upon him and erected many temples to commemorate his contributions, including the Duc Hoang Temple in present-day Giai Lac.
Throughout centuries of history, the temple has been preserved and restored by the local people, becoming a sacred spiritual site. The annual Duc Hoang Temple Festival is held not only to commemorate the contributions of our ancestors but also to demonstrate the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," fostering community cohesion, and educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions.
In 1998, Duc Hoang Temple was classified as a National Historical and Cultural Monument, affirming its immense historical, cultural, and religious value.
This year, the festival was organized with two parts: the ceremony and the festivities. The ceremony was held solemnly according to traditional customs with rituals such as offering incense, making sacrifices, and carrying palanquins, expressing reverence for ancestors. The festivities were lively with many diverse activities such as: men's and women's volleyball competitions; boat racing; tug-of-war, stick pushing, card games; folk art performances, along with many traditional and modern games, creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere.
The Duc Hoang Temple Festival is not only an opportunity for locals and tourists to reconnect with their spiritual and cultural roots, to visit and worship, but also a chance to promote the image of the homeland and introduce local products. Through this, it contributes to preserving and promoting the beautiful traditional cultural values of the ancient Dong Yen region within the flow of modern development.
