2025 Yen Tu Spring festival attracts Buddhist pilgrims
VOV|07/02/2025 19:10
Hordes of people, primarily Buddhist pilgrims, are flocking to northern Quang Ninh province to participate in the 2025 Yen Tu Spring festival, one of the largest and most culturally and spiritually significant festivals in Vietnam.
The festival, that is held annually at the Yen Tu historical and scenic site, lasts for three months, from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the 10th day of the third lunar month.
The festival honours and commemorates Buddhist monks, particularly King Tran Nhan Tong, who founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.
It also provides an opportunity for Buddhists and tourists to pilgrimage to Yen Tu, participate in spiritual activities, and pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity in the new year.
According to Venerable Thich Dao Hien, deputy head of the Executive Board and general secretary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Quang Ninh province, this year, the organizing board has revived the traditional ritual of bringing offerings from the people and localities to the Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong, in order to serve the public's sincere prayer needs.
Yen Tu Mountain is a sacred place where King Tran Nhan Tong chose to practice, preach, and establish the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen school, a unique Vietnamese school of Zen.
After centuries, Yen Tu has still retained dozens of pagodas, hundreds of hermitages and towers, and thousands of ancient relics that hold the spiritual and philosophical values of the Truc Lam Zen sect. It has become a spiritual anchor for those seeking peace amidst the busy, chaotic life.
To honour the immense spiritual values, Quang Ninh province, along with its neighbouring provinces of Hai Duong and Bac Giang, has completed the nomination dossier for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac relics and landscapes, presenting it to UNESCO for recognition as a World Heritage site.
Mai Vu Tuan, secretary of the Uong Bi City Party Committee, beats the drum to officially open the 2025 Yen Tu Spring Festival.
After the spiritual rituals, people begin their pilgrimage up Yen Tu Mountain, expressing reverence and gratitude for the merits of Emperor-turned-Monk Tran Nhan Tong.
On their pilgrimage journey, visitors pass through notable sites such as Giai Oan Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, the An Ky Sinh Statue, before reaching Dong Pagoda, the bronze made structure at the highest peak.
The Yen Tu Spring Festival attracts not only many Buddhists but also tourists from both Vietnam and abroad. People come here not only to pray but also to learn about the history and culture of the sacred land of Yen Tu.
The path to Dong Pagoda is steep and slippery. By climbing each stone step through the mist-covered mountains and dense forests, visitors and pilgrims feel as if they are touching the sacred and mystical essence of this unique structure upon reaching the summit of the holy mountain.
