The Huong Pagoda Festival: A Cultural Beauty of the Vietnamese People

Experiencing the Ups and Downs of Time, the Huong Pagoda Festival Continues to Attract Visitors

Throughout the ups and downs of time, the Huong Pagoda Festival has only grown more appealing, annually drawing in a significant number of visitors. To help audiences better understand the cultural value of the Huong Pagoda Festival, this article introduces the festival as it was in the past—a pristine cultural beauty, a pure and graceful festival within the system of traditional Vietnamese festivals.

Huong Pagoda and the Huong Pagoda Festival

The Huong Pagoda is located within the Huong Son Complex in Hanoi. In 2018, it was recognized as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. This large pagoda attracts thousands of tourists every year. The locals of Huong Son and visitors from all over the country often refer to the journey to the festival simply as “going to Huong Pagoda,” as according to the “Story of the Goddess at Huong Pagoda,” this is the place where the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, who has been localized in Vietnam, meditated and left traces. The name “Huong Pagoda” translates to “Fragrant Traces.”

The Huong Pagoda Festival is one of the most distinctive cultural features of the Vietnamese people. It serves as a sacred foundation of Buddhism, surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. The Huong Pagoda Festival is not only a major festival of Hanoi but also the largest festival in Vietnam each year.

The “Huong Pagoda Festival” is a journey to the land of Buddha, where Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara practiced asceticism. People come here to pray, offer incense, or immerse themselves in the natural beauty of a mountainous region still imprinted with the traces of the Buddha.

Huong Pagoda Festival: A Cultural Beauty of the Vietnamese People

Huong Pagoda is a famous scenic spot. Its beauty is not only evident on the surface but also deeply rooted within, reflecting the profound and rich folklore philosophy found in its caves. The scenery here is simple and fresh, following a mountain path dotted with wildflowers, spreading a nostalgic fragrance. Visitors might be captivated by the unique shape of a tree, the distant sound of a forest bird, sipping a bowl of old plum tea, or enjoying a special apricot fruit from Huong Son. The experience feels surreal, as if one is escaping reality to fully enjoy the beauty of the country’s nature, fostering a deeper love for life. Additionally, numerous exciting activities take place here, such as:

Offering Incense and Prayers at the Beginning of the Year

Most visitors to Huong Pagoda during the early spring have a common purpose—to offer incense and prayers. Here, visitors can make their wishes, hoping for prosperity and abundance in life. Farmers pray for bountiful harvests, merchants hope for profit and wealth, while those desiring a son rub the head of a mountain boy, and those wishing for a daughter rub the head of a mountain girl. The sick believe that the drops of water trickling from the mythical breast of the goddess will strengthen and heal them… These are the heartfelt beliefs of the hardworking people.

Boating

Visitors to Huong Pagoda can enjoy boat rides on the river, a leisurely and refined activity that offers views of the serene Buddhist landscape. During the main festival days, numerous boats race along the Yen Stream, a recreational activity that is an integral part of the festival.

Hiking

After leaving the dock, visitors can engage in the unique hiking activities within the heritage site. They can hike up the steps leading to Huong Tich Cave and the Inner Pagoda. The experience of conquering each step up and down Huong Tich Cave is truly wonderful. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a cable car ride.

Traditional Folk Singing

Cheo singing and xam singing are considered special attractions here. The image of artists passionately performing folk tunes leaves a lasting impression on visitors who have been here even once. Take time to enjoy the most wonderful moments as you immerse yourself in these traditional folk songs and melodies.

Conclusion

Visiting Huong Pagoda and participating in this magical encounter with the radiant beauty of rivers and waters, the vastness of the skies, the tranquility of the mountains, the mystery of the caves, the splendor of the pagoda, and the endless beauty of spring vegetation. Through the ups and downs of time, the Huong Pagoda Festival of the past still shines with a pristine cultural beauty, a pure and graceful festival within the system of traditional Vietnamese festivals.m.