Jan - 09 - 2025
In the heart of Vietnam lies a celebration that transcends time, inviting all to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of culture and history. The Con Son - Kiep Bac Spring Festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people, honoring centuries-old traditions with fervor and reverence.
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Hai Duong Province, the Con Son - Kiep Bac complex holds profound historical significance dating back to the Tran Dynasty in the 13th century. Two prominent works are the Con Son Pagoda and the Kiep Bac Temple. Both are places that preserve the antiques of Vietnam, the traces of the national hero, General Tran Hung Dao.
Over time, this monument is still a place with many attractive landscapes, preserving many valuable relics. Every year, with two major festivals, Con Son - Kiep Bac remains an appealing destination for numerous tourists and pilgrims from both inside and outside Vietnam.
Con Son - Kiep Bac is one of the 23 particularly important national relics of Vietnam
The Spring Festival at Con Son - Kiep Bac in 2025 will take place from the 14th to the 23rd of the first lunar month with many traditional rituals and a variety of exciting activities.
The commencement of rituals at the Con Son - Kiep Bac Spring Festival begins with the opening ceremony, held on the morning of the 16th day of the Lunar New Year. In the solemn atmosphere of the festival, the grand incense burner at Con Son Temple emits a fragrant aroma, adding to the solemnity, while the resounding beat of drums heralds the beginning of the festivities.
Following this is the water procession ceremony, a traditional ritual that draws a large number of participants. After a year of favorable business, as the community transitions into the new year, everyone partakes in the procession of the Three Founding Masters of the Truc Lam Zen sect to pray for a mild climate for agriculture, ensuring prosperity and harmony in their livelihoods.
The first rituals of the opening ceremony
The celestial and terrestrial worship ceremony atop Ngu Nhac Mountain takes place on the morning of the 17th day of the Lunar New Year at Trung Nhac Temple. This is a time-honored ritual of Con Son Temple, seeking blessings from the heavens and the earth to witness the sincere reverence of the community, as they pray for national prosperity, social harmony, and individual well-being.
In 2025, the Spring Festival, coupled with the Commemoration of the 690th Anniversary of the passing away of monk Huyen Quang. The festival will feature several exciting new additions and will be organized on a larger scale.
The festival in 2025 will have features compared to previous festival seasons
A notable highlight of the festival will be the announcement during the opening ceremony of the decision to recognize the Three Statues of Buddha at the Con Son Temple as national treasures. Additionally, the Cultural Week, featuring culinary delights, tourism showcases, and trade promotion activities, will be expanded to offer a more diverse range of engaging experiences.
This year is the first time hosted by Hai Duong of the "Journey to Connect Heritage" run cross-country, the largest and longest-distance event of its kind ever held in the province. The event will commence with the opening ceremony at the outer courtyard of the Con Son Temple.
To cater to the evolving needs and tastes of visitors, numerous landscaped areas and check-in spots have been meticulously designed this year. A noteworthy addition is the replacement of all signage and descriptions at the heritage sites with bilingual Vietnamese-English materials, enhancing accessibility and understanding for international visitors.
The festival is an opportunity for Hai Duong to promote the Con Son - Kiep Bac Relic Area
The Con Son - Kiep Bac Spring Festival is a celebration of tradition, spirituality, and community, where ancient rituals blend seamlessly with modern festivities. For those seeking to experience the magic of this enchanting festival firsthand, it's time to book Vietnam tours and embark on a journey of discovery and delight.