The Hon Chen Festival, or Hue Nam Temple Festival is celebrated in the seventh lunar month. This festival honors the Mother Goddess Thien Y A Na at Hue Nam Temple, perched on Ngoc Tran Mountain in Hue. It features elaborate ceremonies, colorful processions, traditional music, and dance, drawing thousands of participants and tourists. The festival blends Cham and Vietnamese cultural practices, reflecting the rich historical and spiritual heritage of the region.

Hon Chen Temple and origins and significance of the Hon Chen Festival

The Hon Chen Festival deeply rooted in history, showcases the region's blend of Cham and Vietnamese cultures. 

Hon Chen Temple

Hon Chen Temple, also known as Hue Nam Temple, is situated on Ngoc Tran Mountain, overlooking the serene Perfume River. This temple is dedicated to Thien Y A Na, the Mother Goddess, who is revered for her protective and nurturing qualities. The temple is an important religious site for the local community, serving as the central location for the Hon Chen Festival. Its architecture and serene setting provide a beautiful backdrop for the elaborate ceremonies held during the festival​.

Origins of the festival

The origins of the Hon Chen Festival trace back to the worship of the Cham Goddess Po Nagar, who was later assimilated into Vietnamese culture as Thien Y A Na. This deity is revered for her protection and blessings, particularly for the local fishermen and residents of Hue. The festival was formalized during the Nguyen Dynasty, integrating royal ceremonies with folk traditions, making it a significant cultural event that highlights the historical amalgamation of Cham and Vietnamese beliefs.

Significance of the festival

The Hon Chen Festival holds deep spiritual and cultural importance. It serves as a time for the local community to express gratitude to Thien Y A Na and seek her blessings for prosperity and health. The festival also plays a crucial role in preserving cultural traditions, strengthening community bonds, and promoting cultural tourism. The rituals and ceremonies performed during the festival are essential in maintaining the spiritual and cultural identity of Hue's residents.

 The procession by road within the Hon Chen Festival

Activities of the festival

Hon Chen Festival is celebrated on the date 8th to 10th of the seventh lunar month (August, 10 to 12 2024). 

Nghinh Than Ceremony (Divine Procession)

The Nghinh Than Ceremony is a pivotal event of the Hon Chen Festival, held biannually on the Perfume River in Hue. This grand procession is a vibrant display of spiritual devotion and cultural heritage. Elaborately decorated boats, adorned with colorful flags and flowers, carry effigies of the deities along the river, creating a visually stunning spectacle. Traditional music and dance performances accompany the procession, adding to the festive atmosphere and highlighting the rich cultural traditions of the region​.

Boat procession on the Perfume River

Led by the chief priest, the Nghinh Than Ceremony involves intricate rituals to invite the deities to participate in the festival. The chief priest, dressed in ceremonial robes, conducts these rituals with great reverence and precision. Participants, often dressed in traditional attire, follow in boats, chanting prayers and singing hymns. This procession not only underscores the deep spiritual connection between the people of Hue and their deities but also showcases the community's dedication to preserving their cultural heritage​​.

The ceremony is a highlight of the Hue Nam Temple Festival, drawing large crowds of both locals and tourists. It offers a spiritually uplifting experience, allowing participants and spectators to connect with the historical and cultural essence of Hue. The combination of the picturesque setting on the Perfume River, the elaborate decorations, and the harmonious blend of music and ritual makes the Nghinh Than Ceremony a unique and unforgettable part of the festival​.

 Nghinh Than Ceremony in Hue Nam Temple Festival

Chanh Te Ceremony (Chief Priest Ceremony)

The Chanh Te Ceremony is the most solemn and significant part of the festival. This ritual is led by a chief officiant dressed in traditional ceremonial attire, who performs meticulous and precise offerings to the deities, particularly the Mother Goddess Thien Y Ana. Offerings include incense, flowers, and food, and the preparation and execution of this ritual require great dedication and reverence, reflecting the community's deep respect for the divine.

The organizers conducted the ceremony of declaration in the early morning 

Prayers and sacred texts are recited throughout the ceremony, creating a sacred and dignified atmosphere. The aroma of incense mingles with the sound of prayers, generating a mystical and solemn ambiance. Local people, dressed in traditional attire, passionately participate, seeking peace, health, and blessings for their families and community.

The Chanh Te Ceremony also plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the cultural and spiritual values of the people of Hue. By participating in or witnessing this ritual, locals and visitors gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage and long history of the ancient capital. This ceremony is an essential part of the Hon Chen Festival, contributing to its unique appeal and drawing visitors from all over to experience and engage with the festival.

Hầu đồng (Trance Ceremony) in Hue Nam Temple Festival

The Hon Chen Festival in Hue is a celebration of cultural heritage, spirituality, and community. As we approach the festival, the event promises to be a vibrant and meaningful experience for both locals and visitors. Book your Vietnam tour to enjoy local customs and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere for an extraordinary cultural journey.