Tam Chuc pagoda festival opens with unique water procession ceremony
A total of 207 boats and 500 people took part in a water procession event in the opening ceremony of the Tam Chuc pagoda festival held in Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province on February 21, which falls on the 12th day of the first lunar month.
This year marks the sixth time that the festival has been held in Tam Chuc pagoda complex in the new lunar year.
The annual festival draws the participation of thousands of local residents and pilgrims.
A drum beating ceremony kicks off the Tam Chuc pagoda festival.
A water procession is held immediately after the conclusion of the drum beating ceremony.
As many as seven big boats and 200 small boats carrying nearly 500 people partake in the festival.
The main rituals held during the opening ceremony include a water procession from Tam Chuc Lake to Ngoc Pagoda to pay tribute to Buddha, Genies, and the Mother Goddess. This is along with prayers for a bumper harvest and favourable weather conditions, as well as incense offerings to pray for peace and happiness around the country.
Under the chair of Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, the opening ceremony takes place with the ritual of water procession to pray for peace for the country, good weather, and a bumper harvest.
Many people take part in water procession ceremony from Tam Chuc Lake to Ngoc Pagoda.