On the first day of the Lunar New Year 2025, crowds of people flocked to Phuoc Bao Pagoda (Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province) to pray for peace. Located on the Vietnam-Laos border, the pagoda is not only a place for local people to practice their faith, but also attracts Buddhists from many places to come and offer prayers at the beginning of the year.
Mr. Cong Khanh, a local resident, shared: "Every year, my family and I go to Phuoc Bao Pagoda on the first day of the year to pray for peace, health and luck. Coming to the pagoda, I feel lighter and more relaxed when entering the new year."
Besides offering incense and praying, many people also have the habit of buying salt at the beginning of the year right at the temple. According to folk beliefs, salt symbolizes saltiness, luck, drives away bad things, and helps the family have a smooth and favorable year. Small bags of salt are sold right at the temple gate, buyers both use it for their own family and give it to relatives with the wish for a prosperous and peaceful year.
Phuoc Bao Pagoda on the first day of the year is filled with spring colors with bright flowers and incense scents spreading in the air. The sound of the temple bell echoing in the mountains and forests of the border makes the scene even more peaceful and sacred.
For the people of Huong Hoa district in particular and tourists in general, Phuoc Bao pagoda is not only a place to make wishes at the beginning of the year but also a destination with deep cultural and spiritual values.
Such early-year trips not only help people find peace of mind, but also preserve a beautiful traditional feature of the nation.
