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Every year, on the 19th day of the 2nd lunar month (March 18th in the Gregorian calendar), Da Nang city joyfully welcomes the Quan The Am Ngu Hanh Son Festival, one of the typical folk festivals deeply rooted in Buddhist beliefs, showcasing the unique spiritual and cultural beauty of the people of Central Vietnam in particular and the whole country in general.
This is not only an opportunity for Buddhist followers to connect with the roots of their faith, but also a space for rich community cultural activities, contributing to fostering compassion, benevolence, a spirit of goodness, and love for the homeland. The festival is the culmination of Buddhist cultural values with the traditional culture of the Vietnamese people, and an occasion for everyone to pray together for national peace and prosperity, and the well-being of all sentient beings.
The Quan The Am Festival (Guan Yin Festival) is held within the grounds of Quan The Am Pagoda in Da Nang - an attractive tourist destination in Da Nang.
The Quan The Am Ngu Hanh Son Festival is a unique cultural and spiritual event that attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists. The festival contributes to promoting the image, culture, and people of Da Nang to international friends.
A community cultural living space rich in identity.
This year's Quan The Am - Ngu Hanh Son Festival, held from March 16th to 19th (corresponding to the 17th to 20th of the second lunar month), was a unique spiritual and cultural event that attracted tens of thousands of people and tourists from all over the country and internationally. The highlight of the festival was the procession and procession of the statue and costumes of Bodhisattva Quan The Am, a solemn and sacred ritual expressing the people's reverence and admiration for this compassionate Bodhisattva.
The Quan The Am Festival attracts tens of thousands of participants.
This year's Quan The Am - Ngu Hanh Son Festival, held from March 16th to 19th (corresponding to the 17th to 20th of the second lunar month), attracted tens of thousands of locals and tourists who came to worship, with the procession of the statue and the costume parade of Bodhisattva Quan The Am.
The ceremony honoring the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a formal and most important ritual of the Avalokiteshvara Festival - Ngu Hanh Son, took place in a solemn and respectful atmosphere. This ceremony is not only a religious activity but also a symbol of love, compassion, and the pursuit of goodness in each person's soul. The Avalokiteshvara Festival is held within the grounds of the Avalokiteshvara Pagoda in Da Nang - an attractive tourist destination in Da Nang. This location is within the Ngu Hanh Son tourist area, Ngu Hanh Son district, Da Nang city.
This is one of Da Nang's largest and most attractive festivals, becoming an indispensable part of the cultural and spiritual life of the local people. The history of this festival is a long journey, closely linked to the development of Buddhism in the Ngu Hanh Son region.
This is considered a unique spiritual festival of the people of Da Nang.
The year 1960 marked the first time the festival was held, coinciding with the inauguration of the statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva at Hoa Nghiem Cave, Thuy Son Mountain. This traditional folk festival originates from the birthday celebration of Avalokiteshvara Buddha, a Bodhisattva symbolizing compassion and salvation from suffering. Two years later, in 1962, the festival was held for the second time, coinciding with the inauguration of Quan Am Pagoda in Da Nang, further solidifying its position in the spiritual life of the people.
However, after a long period of interruption, in 1991, the Quan The Am Festival was restored and has been held regularly ever since. This event not only demonstrates respect for and preservation of traditional cultural values, but also serves as proof of the vibrant vitality of Buddhist faith in the hearts of the people of Da Nang.
The ceremony conveys a message of love and devotion to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, praying for peace and prosperity for the country, and for the well-being and happiness of its people.
This is an occasion to pray for national peace and prosperity, and for everyone to have a life of abundance, peace, and good fortune.
On February 3rd, 2021, a significant milestone was reached when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized the Quan The Am Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Da Nang. This is a well-deserved recognition of the cultural, historical, and spiritual values that the festival brings.
This folk festival is held in the Marble Mountains tourist area and is deeply rooted in Buddhist beliefs.
However, in 2021, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quan The Am Festival in Da Nang could not take place. Nevertheless, the absence of the festival that year only further highlighted its value and significance, while also rekindling people's anticipation and hope for future festival seasons.
Unique spiritual and cultural features
Along with the Fishing Festival, the Quan The Am Festival is one of the unique spiritual and cultural features that define the distinct identity of the people of Da Nang. More than just a place to express reverence to the Bodhisattva Quan The Am, the festival is also an opportunity for people to explore unique rituals and participate in fun and entertaining activities.
The ceremonial and festive parts of the event feature many special events.
The ceremonial part of the Quan The Am Festival in Da Nang includes solemn rituals deeply rooted in Buddhist beliefs. It begins with the Light Procession, held on the 18th day of the 2nd lunar month, featuring palanquin processions, torch carriers, and spectacular lion and dragon dances. Following this, early in the morning of the 19th day of the 2nd lunar month, the Opening Ceremony of the Sutras is held, praying for national peace and prosperity, and favorable weather.
In 1960, on the occasion of the inauguration of the statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in Hoa Nghiem Cave on Thuy Son mountain, the Avalokiteshvara Festival was held for the first time. This traditional folk festival originates from the birthday celebration of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Also on the morning of the 19th day of the 2nd lunar month, a Buddhist ceremony is held to offer alms to all kinds of beings and pray for the souls of the deceased. Following this, a lecture on Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva takes place, praising the Buddha's compassion and praying for the people's well-being and the nation's prosperity. The highlight of the ceremony is the procession of the Avalokiteshvara statue, which takes place around 10:00 AM on the 19th day of the 2nd lunar month, praying for the safety and good fortune of fishermen at sea and those working on the waterways.
In addition, the ceremony includes many other activities such as the Quan Thế Âm (Guan Yin) costume parade, the thanksgiving ceremony with lantern displays, creating a sacred and colorful atmosphere. These rituals not only express the people's reverence for the Bodhisattva Quan Thế Âm, but also provide an opportunity for everyone to pray together for a peaceful and happy life.
The festive atmosphere is imbued with solemnity and serenity through unique rituals such as the celebration of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara's birthday, the procession of light, and the incense offering ceremony in remembrance of Princess Huyen Tran,...
The festival portion of the Quan The Am Festival in Da Nang is not just an addition, but a vibrant cultural tapestry offering unique and novel experiences for visitors. With a harmonious blend of traditional and modern culture, the festival creates a lively atmosphere filled with cultural, artistic, and sporting activities.
The festival attracts many tourists who come to experience it.
Visitors will immerse themselves in unique experiences where traditional and modern cultures intertwine subtly. Activities such as costume parties, chess competitions, traditional opera, folk singing, music and painting, the Four Sacred Animals dance, tug-of-war, sculpting, and releasing lanterns on the river... are not only artistic performances but also profound cultural experiences, helping visitors better understand the cultural identity of the people of Da Nang.
The festival also features art exhibitions, such as ink painting and calligraphy exhibitions, offering visitors unique works of art that showcase the talent and soul of the artists. In addition, competitions such as presentations about the Marble Mountains and vegetarian cooking contests are also interesting activities that attract a large number of visitors.
Alongside the ceremonial part is a vibrant and lively festival, deeply rooted in folk culture and infused with modern elements, such as traditional boat races, village chess tournaments, tug-of-war, stilt walking competitions, and more.
The festival part of the Quan The Am Festival is not only a place for fun and entertainment, but also a place for people to interact, learn, and discover traditional cultural values. These activities not only contribute to enriching the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Da Nang, but are also an important factor in attracting tourists to this beautiful coastal city.
Besides its spiritual and cultural significance, the Quan The Am Festival bears the strong imprint of the traditional cultural values of the nation in general and the Quang Nam - Da Nang region in particular.
