On February 28 (ie, the 12th day of the first lunar month), at Hai Ba Trung Temple, Thong Nhat village, Chieng Khuong Commune People's Committee organized the 2026 Incense Offering Festival. The festival attracted thousands of people and tourists from all over to participate.
The temple is located by the Ma River, a place where people commemorate the merits of Hai Ba Trung - an indomitable symbol of patriotism.
According to local historical records, the temple was built in 1710 in Nai Xa village, Hong Ha commune, former Dan Phuong district.
In 1975, when people in the commune moved to the Song Ma area to build a new economic zone, the temple was moved to Thong Nhat village, Chieng Khuong commune and maintained the annual festival.
In 2011, the temple was ranked as a provincial-level historical relic, becoming a typical cultural and spiritual activity site.
The highlight of the festival is the traditional water procession ritual. From early morning, the procession with the ritual team, lion dance, palanquin procession and a large number of people moved from the temple to the water wharf.
The ritual is performed solemnly, expressing the morality of "Drinking water, remember the source", praying for national peace and prosperity, and bumper crops.
After the water procession is an art program with festival drums, sword dance, fan dance and singing and dancing performances praising the homeland and country.
The main ceremony part takes place solemnly with the ritual of drumming to open the festival, reading wishes and offering incense to commemorate.
Mr. Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, Vice Chairman of Chieng Khuong Commune People's Committee, said: "The festival is an opportunity for people to express gratitude for the merits of their predecessors, and at the same time educate patriotism for the young generation, contributing to preserving local cultural identity.
The festival atmosphere became more exciting with folk games such as tug-of-war, con throwing, stick pushing, blindfolded pot smashing, attracting a large number of people to participate.
As a resident who used to live in Me Linh homeland, Mr. Luu Van Quang, Chieng An ward, shared: "Every year my family comes to offer incense at the temple. Not only praying for peace, this is also an opportunity for children and grandchildren to better understand the history and traditions of the nation.
The festival closed in a solemn and joyful atmosphere. The event contributes to preserving traditional cultural values and strengthening community solidarity in the Chieng Khuong border area.
