In the days leading up to the Hung Kings Commemoration Festival, crowds from all over turn to the Hung Temple historical relic site (Phu Tho).
In that flow, the image of young people driving motorbikes themselves, traveling long distances to Dat To, not only shows dynamism, but also contains very personal emotions - sincere, simple but deep.
Starting from Hanoi when it was still early, Nguyen Thu Hang (born 2002) and a friend started a journey of about 40km by motorbike. The road was not too long but enough for Hang to clearly feel the change in the atmosphere - from familiar streets to roads gradually crowded with pilgrims.
The closer I get to Hung Temple, the more excited I feel. Both sides of the road are getting crowded, everyone is heading towards the same place. Suddenly I see that this trip is not just for fun anymore, but there is something very meaningful," Thu Hang shared.
Amidst the bustling crowd, Thu Hang stopped her car, adjusted her backpack and blended into the crowd moving towards Nghia Linh mountain. The stone steps leading up to the temple seemed to be longer due to the crowded crowd, but that did not diminish the reverence. On the contrary, that atmosphere made the emotions clearer than ever.
When standing in front of the temple, looking at people offering incense, I naturally felt very touched. Although I am still young, I understand that this is a place I should come to at least once to know where I came from," Thu Hang said, her voice slowing down.
Not only young people from afar, right in Phu Tho, many students also take advantage of the time before the main festival to go to Hung Temple. Ha Thi Thu Lieu (born 2008, student of Minh Dai High School) said that every year she tries to go to the temple with her family or friends.
Going on this occasion is crowded but still more comfortable than the main festival day. I like the feeling of walking among many people but everyone has a common purpose of returning to their ancestors. It creates a very special feeling, very proud," Thu Lieu shared.
As for Ha Thi Le Gia (born 2011, student of Long Coc Secondary School), the trip was a memorable experience of school age. "I feel crowded but not chaotic. Everyone is very conscious. When I get to the temple, everyone is serious and sincere. I feel the sacredness that I have only heard of before," Le Gia said.
In the sacred space of Nghia Linh mountain, young footsteps seem to slow down. No longer the usual haste, instead are silent looks, respectful bows, moments when each person connects themselves with their roots.
Perhaps for many young people, the trip starts with curiosity or simply a trip to play. But when you set foot in Hung Temple, standing in the middle of the crowd looking towards ancestors, that feeling gradually turns into pride and gratitude.
Before the main festival day, Hung Temple is not only more crowded and bustling, but also more contemplative because of such journeys. The motorbike rides of youth not only carry excitement, but also carry something deeper - a journey to find the origin, to understand, to remember and to cherish.
