On February 3, the first workday after the Lunar New Year holiday, thousands of office workers and business owners in Hanoi flocked to Tay Ho Temple during their lunch break to pray for good fortune, career success, and financial prosperity.

By 11:30 AM, the entrance and courtyard of the temple were completely packed with worshippers, many of whom were seen carrying offerings and incense.

A surge of visitors seeking luck and prosperity

According to a vendor near the temple, such overcrowding usually happens on the first day of Tet, while the following days are busy but not as overwhelming. However, the first workday of the year traditionally sees an influx of people returning from their hometowns, eager to seek blessings before resuming business.

"Many office workers take advantage of their lunch break to come here and pray, while business owners visit before reopening their shops. That’s why today is so packed," a local vendor explained.

Inside the temple, the crowds were so dense that many people had to pray from a distance, clasping their hands in reverence while standing in the overcrowded courtyard.

Some visitors reported that it took them over 30 minutes just to get inside the main shrine to offer their prayers. Others struggled to find space to place their offering trays, as every available surface was occupied.

A tradition among office workers and business owners

Among the worshippers was Quynh Huong, who came with her colleagues as part of their yearly tradition.

"Every year, our team visits Tay Ho Temple on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year. Our offerings are simple, but we come with sincere hearts to pray for good fortune and peace," she shared.

Similarly, Tuan Hai, dressed in a black suit, firmly believes in the distinction between temple and shrine rituals.

"We go to temples to pray for peace, but at shrines like Tay Ho Temple, we pray for wealth and prosperity. That’s why I made sure to visit today, right after our office’s new year ceremony," he said.

For some visitors, finding time to visit the temple amid busy schedules was a challenge.

Nguyen Phuong, a hospital employee, shared that she had to rush over during her lunch break to pray for luck, health, and success for her colleagues.

"I don’t have much free time, so I had to come now. Besides praying for my family, I also hope for good health for my colleagues and fellow doctors so they can continue their work with dedication," she said.

Despite the overwhelming crowd, the atmosphere at Tay Ho Temple remained filled with reverence and hope, marking the first workday of the year with prayers for a prosperous and fortunate Year of the Snake.

Thach Thao