Vietnamese people often go on a pilgrimage at the beginning of each Lunar New Year to pray for safety, health, good luck, prosperity, and happiness during the year. Visiting a pagoda in the spring has become a valued custom for Vietnamese people from all walks of life.

When the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve, many people begin their pilgrimage to nearby pagodas to pray for health and luck for themselves and their loved ones. Many people sincerely believe that all wishes made on New Year’s Eve will come true. Hoang Thi Tam of Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung district took her family to Chan Tien pagoda on Ba Trieu street.

"After praying in front of our ancestors’ altar, my family and I head to a pagoda close to where we live to pray for health, happiness, and success for all family members," said Ms. Tam. 

Vietnamese people believe that going to a pagoda is not just to pray for good things in the coming year, but also to reflect on what they have done in the past and leave all hardship behind.

Nguyen Thi Thanh who lives in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district told VOV "I often embark on a pilgrimage on Lunar New Year’s Eve. After visiting a pagoda close to my house, I go on to other popular pagodas like Phuc Khanh pagoda in Hanoi’s Dong Da district, and Tran Quoc pagoda and West Lake Temple in Hanoi’s Tay Ho district."

"Like many others, I feel at ease whenever I’m at a pagoda and I often pray for a smooth new year full of peace and luck for my family," said Thanh.

Many young Vietnamese go to pagodas in the spring not just to pray for good things but also to enjoy the pagodas’ beauty and serene atmosphere. A trip to a pagoda teaches them about their roots and Vietnam’s traditions. 

"After visiting and extending Tet greetings to our grandparents and other relatives, we go on a pilgrimage to pagodas where we can relax in the serene atmosphere and reflect on ourselves while wishing for all the best in the coming year," said Nguyen Minh Quan who lives in Hanoi's Thanh Xuan district. 

VOV5