Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh offers incense to pray for national peace and prosperity. (Photo: Dai Nghia/VNA)

This year’s festival, themed "A Sacred Gathering," celebrates Vietnam’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. From early morning, crowds gathered in front of the Thuy Dinh Pavilion to witness the festival’s grand opening.

In his opening remarks, Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, emphasized the festival’s significance as an annual tradition held at the beginning of the lunar new year to honor and preserve Vietnam’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual customs.

“The Tam Chuc Pagoda Spring Festival, held each year on the 12th day of the first lunar month, is eagerly anticipated by both local residents and Buddhist followers,” he said. “It serves not only to safeguard and promote traditional cultural values but also to showcase Vietnam’s spiritual heritage to visitors from around the world. Tam Chuc Pagoda is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture of Vietnam.”

As part of the event, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh presented awards recognizing Ha Nam as "Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination" and honoring the province with the "Special Achievement Award."

Following the opening ceremony, provincial leaders and Buddhist dignitaries performed traditional rituals, including bell ringing, drum performances, and incense offerings, praying for national peace and prosperity.

Meanwhile, in Bac Giang Province, officials marked the beginning of the Cultural and Tourism Week with the official opening of the West Yen Tu Spring Festival 2025, themed "Sacred West Yen Tu."