On the morning of March 13, amid the brilliant weather of Dien Bien with the white color of ban flower, thousands of people, tourists, monks and Buddhists gathered at Linh Quang pagoda, Thanh Nua commune, Dien Bien district (adjacent to the Vietnam - Laos border) to attend the 7th Ban Flower Festival in 2025.
Within the framework of the festival, the solemn and emotional festival of welcoming martyrs from Tong Khao and Doc Lap Martyrs' Cemetery (Thanh Nua Commune, Dien Bien District) to the pagoda took place solemnly and emotionally. The incense sticks were lit, the prayers were sung, addressed to the heroic martyrs.
In particular, the organization from March 13, coinciding with the opening day of the historic Dien Bien Phu Campaign, has added special significance to the festival. This is an opportunity for Dien Bien people to express their respect and deep gratitude to the outstanding children of the Fatherland who sacrificed their blood and bones for the independence and freedom of the nation.
Venerable Thich Duc Thien - Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dien Bien province, National Assembly Delegate of the 15th tenure - said that the Buddhist Ban Flower Festival is not only an occasion to commemorate those who have passed away, but also an opportunity to educate the tradition of patriotism and solidarity for the younger generation.
The Buddha teaches us to know gratitude and forgiveness. Each Ban flower contains the soul of the martyrs. Organizing the festival is to help the younger generation continue the patriotic and heroic tradition of the nation" - the Venerable emphasized.
Held annually since 2015, the Hoa Ban Buddhist Festival has become a unique cultural beauty of Dien Bien. The festival not only attracts local people but also attracts tourists from all over to visit and worship.
Ms. Sung Thi Dung (25 years old, H'Mong ethnic group, Pu Nhi commune, Dien Bien Dong district) said: "Although the weather is hot, we still respect the heroic martyrs. This is a very meaningful activity, an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to those who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland".
Linh Quang Pagoda, where the festival takes place, is located in Thanh Nua border commune, about 5km from Dien Bien Phu city center and more than 10km from the Lao border. The pagoda is not only an important spiritual location but also an attractive tourist destination during the blooming season.
