For generations, Vietnamese people have had the habit of going to festivals at the beginning of the year not only to ask for fortune and luck, but also to immerse themselves in the crowded flow of people, to see themselves as part of a large community. In that clash, people are more likely to smile at each other, more likely to give each other a step. Belief, therefore, is no longer something isolated, but becomes the common beat of an entire nation.
At Huong Pagoda, every spring, Yen stream is bustling with boats carrying pilgrims. The journey to Huong Tich cave amidst the mountains filled with smoke and mist is the most profound inward-looking journey. In the sound of the pagoda bells ranging far, everyone has a whispered wish for their family and for themselves.
In Yen Tu, streams of people follow each other up the mountain in the early morning mist, the winding stone road seems to test the sincerity of each traveler from afar. Standing high, looking at the white clouds drifting across the eye, many people suddenly feel lighter, the worries of the old year also gradually subside with the mountain wind.
The festival takes place in all three regions of the country and each region has its own color, but all share a common wish for a smooth new year, and people's hearts always be at peace. Life is inherently full of uncontrollable things and a new year opens also contains many things. Therefore, the festival becomes an important spiritual ritual when we accept the uncertainty of the future but still always have full hope.
Amidst the increasingly hurried pace of life, the festival is also a slow time to contemplate. Slowly stepping on Yen Tu stone steps, slowly rowing in the Yen stream, slowly listening to a Quan Ho song, we seem to temporarily leave the daily haste to listen to our hearts. Sometimes what we seek is not material wealth but a moment of true peace of mind in the flow of life.
Going to festivals is also a way for people to learn to both hope and learn to let go of worries. We pray for health for parents, peace for children, and convenience for work, but deep down everyone understands that not everything is according to their wishes.
It is this acceptance that makes prayers lighter, not to demand but to send feelings into the vast spiritual realm. Spring is therefore not only the change of heaven and earth, but also a strong renaissance in people's hearts.
Going to festivals at the beginning of the year is like a promise to ourselves that even if the old year is still full of hardships, we still give ourselves an opportunity to start over with prosperity and radiance. Amidst the busyness of life, people still need festival seasons to return to believe, to love and to add energy on the long journey.
