On the morning of April 26 (ie, the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month), at the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site, after Party and State leaders attended the Hung Kings Commemoration Ceremony, offered incense to commemorate the Hung Kings at Thuong Temple; offered flowers at the Relief "Uncle Ho talks with cadres and soldiers of the Pioneer Army Corps" (Nga 5 Den Gieng); offered incense at Lac Long Quan National Ancestral Temple - tens of thousands of people pilgrained to the sacred Nghia Linh mountain peak to commemorate and express gratitude for the merits of the Hung Kings.
The weather at the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site on the Hung Kings Commemoration Day is cool, with light sunshine. From the temple gate, the central festival yard, the main gate at the foot of Nghia Linh mountain, every road in the relic site... is crowded with people and tourists coming to pilgrimage.
Everyone showed clear comfort and joy on the walkway, climbing stairs to look towards their roots. Although crowded, there was no congestion or jostling.
Mr. Hoang - a resident from Hanoi - shared: "My family and I chose the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month to pilgrimage to Hung Temple, the weather today is favorable, and the psychology is very comfortable because it is a holiday... Coming here, I clearly feel the atmosphere of both the festival's excitement and the reverence and solemnity of the Hung Kings' Death Anniversary.
Mr. Nguyen Van Quan is a son of Dat To Phu Tho (hometown in Dong Can area, Hung Viet commune, Phu Tho province) but has lived and worked in Ho Chi Minh City for more than 10 years. Every time the Hung Kings Death Anniversary comes, homesickness rushes back into Mr. Quan's mind.
Born and raised in Phu Tho, although far from home for many years, but when the Hung Kings Commemoration Day comes, my emotions surge, tears well up when I remember the beautiful memories of my childhood associated with Hung Temple. Next year, if I have the conditions, my family and I will return to our hometown for the Hung Kings Commemoration Day" - Mr. Quan said emotionally.
Ms. To Thi Huong - from Ky Lua ward, Lang Son province, currently living in the Netherlands - shared: "Following the images of the Hung Kings Commemoration Day in newspapers, radio, and social networks, I feel very nostalgic for my homeland and country. Being a Lac child, a Hong grandchild, no matter where you are, you should look towards your roots on the Ancestral Day. Tonight, I and some fellow countrymen will organize a meal together.
Along with Phu Tho, in provinces and cities across the country and the Vietnamese community abroad, many incense offering and traditional cultural activities are also solemnly organized. Simple offering trays at home or large-scale festivals all share a common meaning: affirming the morality of "When drinking water, remember the source".
The image of millions of people respectfully clasping their hands in front of the spirits of the kings who founded the territory is proof of the strong vitality of the Hung Kings worship belief.
The Ancestral Day is not only an opportunity to look back at history, but also a spiritual thread tightening the solidarity of compatriots, adding strength for the Vietnamese people to build and protect the Fatherland together, just as Uncle Ho taught: "The Hung Kings have contributed to building the country, we must join hands to protect the country.
