On March 8th of the lunar calendar (April 24th of the solar calendar), the traditional festival of Binh Vong village (Thuong Tin commune, Hanoi) took place jubilantly and attracted a large number of people to participate and play in the festival.
The festival aims to commemorate Chieu Van Vuong Tran Nhat Duat - a talented general of the Tran dynasty, who was honored by the people as the village tutelary god. In the memory of the people here, he is not only a historical figure worshiped, but also a sacred part of the village, of the land, of stories told from generation to generation.
The elders in the village still tell each other that in the 2nd resistance war against the Nguyen army in 1285, Binh Vong was on the line against the enemy in the south of the capital. When assigned to fight the Nguyen army in Ham Tu, Chieu Van Vuong Tran Nhat Duat stopped his troops at Binh Vong. At Linh Tu, he performed a prayer ceremony. That night, he was told by his people in a dream that this battle would surely be a big victory.
Indeed, after only one battle, the Yuan army in Ham Tu was devastated. When he died, to commemorate the merits of the general who was both literary and martial, the people built a temple to worship him. From then on, on this land, commemorating him was not only a ritual, but gradually became a persistent spiritual habit, deeply ingrained in community life.
According to Mr. Luong Khac Hung - head of Binh Vong village, representative of the festival organizing committee, the festival is not only an opportunity for people to express their gratitude to their predecessors but also an opportunity for people throughout the village to unite, gather together, and enjoy the atmosphere of the village festival.
The festival takes place in 3 days, July and September. 3rd lunar month but March 8th is the main festival, people will organize the procession of Saints from the communal house to the temple. This year, we have mobilized nearly 300 people to participate in 30 processions, the rituals are very thoughtful to ensure correct rituals. This festival has been passed down from generation to generation, we hope that future generations will maintain order and preserve this traditional feature," Mr. Hung said.
On the 7th day of the 3rd lunar month, the organizers will chant sutras at the temple, then lead the ceremony from the communal house to the temple and offer incense at the temple. The 8th day of the 3rd lunar month will be the official opening day of the festival and there will be a procession of holy palanquins with more than 30 processions and nearly 300 participants. On the 9th day of the 3rd lunar month, the Holy Spirit will be worshiped at the village communal house and the whole village will receive blessings to celebrate the successful festival.
Besides the main ceremony part, Binh Vong village also organizes sports competitions such as football, volleyball, badminton, fishing, table tennis, Chinese chess and folk games, Quan Ho singing on the pond for villagers to participate.
