Dau Pagoda Festival 2025

The Dau Pagoda Festival 2025 promises to be a grand affair, continuing to showcase the rich heritage of Bac Ninh province and its spiritual traditions, and marks a significant cultural event that has been preserved through centuries.

Dau Pagoda Festival 2025

Discover the vibrant heritage and spiritual fervor of the Dau Pagoda Festival in Bac Ninh, a timeless celebration deeply rooted.

Time of the festival

The festival is held annually on the April 8th of the lunar month, encompassing extensive celebrations across the three villages of the Dau region in Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province: Thanh Khuong, Tri Qua, and Ha Man.

The Dau Pagoda is served as the focal point of the festival among four main temples

The festivities are centered around four main temples: Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Loi, Phap Dien, and the ancestral temple of Man Nuong (mother of the Four Dharma Protectors), with the Dau Pagoda serving as the focal point of the festival.

Origin of Dau Pagoda Festival

The Dau Pagoda's foundation dates back to the reign of Governor Si Nhiep in 187 AD and was completed in 226 AD. Si Nhiep, renowned for introducing literacy to the local populace, is honored annually on the April 8th of the lunar month.

The Dau Pagoda's foundation dates back to the reign of Governor Si Nhiep

The festival features a procession that transports the palanquins of Si Nhiep and Princess Ngoc Tien (Si Nhiep's daughter) from Lung Khe temple back to Dau Pagoda to mark the commencement of the festival.

Engaging activities at the festival

In the morning, villagers from the surrounding areas organize processions to bring the statues of the Four Dharma Protectors from respective temples to converge at Dau Pagoda. The processions are vibrant, featuring ceremonial flags, palanquins, and musical ensembles, creating a lively atmosphere that draws participants from far and wide.

Villagers organize processions to bring Dharma Protectors statues to Dau Pagoda

By noon, the festival mood shifts to a more theatrical setting with the performance of a traditional play, followed by a unique contest known as "water snatching." This contest, symbolizing a race between the Rain Goddess and the Thunder Goddess, serves as a ritual to predict the agricultural prospects of the year.

In the evening, attendees participate in a myriad of traditional cultural activities such as Quan ho singing on dragon boats, water puppetry, drum singing, recitals of classical opera, chess competitions, and volleyball matches, showcasing the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the region.

Attendees participate in a myriad of traditional cultural activities such as Quan ho singing

Significance of Dau Pagoda Festival

The Dau Pagoda Festival holds the distinction of being one of the oldest festivals in Vietnam, offering a profound glimpse into the nation's historical and cultural ethos. It plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the community's connection to its ancestral traditions and customs. 

Moreover, the festival serves as a spiritual conduit for the local populace, providing an opportunity for them to pray for prosperity, favorable weather, and communal harmony. This annual gathering not only fosters a sense of unity but also encourages them to preserve and promote their cultural identity and values.

The Dau Pagoda Festival is one of the oldest festivals in Vietnam

Through Dau Pagoda Festival in 2025, the spirit of Vietnam's ancestral heritage is kept alive, passed down through generations, and shared with the world. Book your Vietnam tour today and be part of the vibrant atmosphere of this special event.