Kim Dang Temple Festival 2026

Kim Dang Temple Festival is one of the most culturally rich and spiritually significant events in Hung Yen. The festival was held annually in Kim Dang Village, Lam Son Ward, Hung Yen. This festival honors national heroes who contributed to building and defending the country, and symbolizes unity, patriotism, and pride in Vietnam's ancestral roots. Beyond its vibrant rituals and performances, the festival also serves as a meaningful gathering where generations come together to preserve traditional values and local heritage.

Overview of Kim Dang Temple Festival

The festival is held annually from the 15th to the 17th day of the 11th lunar month, at Kim Dang Temple in Kim Dang Village, Lam Son Ward, Hung Yen City. This timing coincides with both the commemoration of these revered figures and the post-harvest season. It allows locals and visitors alike to participate in the festivities in a spirit of gratitude and community.

The Kim Dang Temple Festival unfolds within the hallowed grounds of Kim Dang Temple, a spiritual site in Hung Yen Province. This ancient temple is dedicated to General Dinh Dien and Lady Moi Nuong Trinh Thuc. Two historical figures who played vital roles in supporting Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang during the unification of Vietnam in the 10th century.

Built on land believed to possess powerful spiritual energy, symbolized by the geomantic alignment of the "Green Dragon and White Tiger". The temple is a place of worship and a treasure trove of history. Its architecture reflects the artistic styles of various Vietnamese dynasties, preserved and passed down through generations.

Kim Dang Festival honors national heroes Dinh Dien and Lady Moi Nuong, blending spiritual reverence with rich cultural heritage

The program of Kim Dang Temple Festival

The Kim Dang Temple Festival blends solemn rituals with vibrant festivities, honoring national heroes while celebrating community spirit. Sacred ceremonies, lively folk performances, and local markets, the event offers a rich cultural experience for all.

The rituals - Solemn, sacred, and spiritually profound

The ritual segment lies at the heart of the Kim Dang Temple Festival, conducted in a respectful, tranquil atmosphere steeped in reverence. These sacred rites are more than commemorative ceremonies, they serve as a spiritual journey connecting past and present, humans and the divine, the community and its ancestral roots.

The festival begins with an incense offering ceremony, where locals and delegates present traditional items like incense, flowers, sticky rice, and betel nuts. These are dedicated to General Dinh Dien, Lady Moi Nuong Trinh Thuc, and their loyal generals as a profound expression of gratitude for their service to the nation.

Following this is the main sacrificial ritual, conducted by the village elders. Through solemn ceremonial readings, they pray for national peace, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and prosperity for all. Each word echoes the hopes and aspirations of the people, forming a deeply moving and dignified atmosphere that highlights the spiritual richness of the festival.

A particular highlight of the ritual section is the procession of palanquins, a grand reenactment of the glory days of the Dinh Dynasty. Ornately decorated palanquins, gilded in red and gold, carry the ancestral tablets and statues of the honored figures. The procession winds through village roads accompanied by traditional music, drumbeats, and colorful flags. Participants don ceremonial costumes, evoking the heroic spirit of a bygone era. Villagers and visitors alike follow the procession in reverence, hands clasped in prayer, fully immersed in this cultural and historical tribute.

The Kim Dang Temple Festival offers a meaningful mix of sacred rituals and festive traditions, celebrating national heroes and Vietnamese cultural heritage

The festivities - A vibrant showcase of folk traditions

Following the solemn ceremonies, the festival bursts into life with a lively and colorful celebration. Where the spirit of joy and community takes center stage, and the cultural heritage of Northern Vietnam is joyfully revived.

The temple grounds and communal spaces come alive with music, laughter, and bustling crowds. A variety of traditional performing arts are showcased, including cheo (Vietnamese folk opera), chau van (spiritual singing), and folk dances, performed by local artists. These performances, with their lyrical melodies and rich cultural nuances, transport audiences into the soul of Vietnamese village life, preserving and celebrating age-old traditions.

Adding to the excitement are traditional folk games such as tug of war, wrestling, cockfighting, shuttlecock kicking, and Chinese chess tournaments. These games entertain and promote community bonding and reflect the valor, ingenuity, and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Another popular attraction is the local specialty fair, where visitors can browse and purchase regional delicacies and handicrafts. Featured products include Hung Yen’s famous longan, forest honey, traditional rice cakes, and intricately crafted items made by local artisans. This fair is both a cultural showcase and a platform for supporting local economies and promoting regional identities to a wider audience.

Community engagement and historical education, bridging generations, preserving identity

Beyond the rituals and entertainment, the festival also places strong emphasis on community education and historical storytelling, particularly aimed at inspiring younger generations. Through storytelling sessions, cultural exchanges, and historical discussions, the lives and contributions of General Dinh Dien, Lady Moi Nuong Trinh Thuc, and the heroic Dinh Dynasty are vividly brought to life. These sessions blend oral tradition with historical documents and visuals, offering an engaging and emotional way to connect with the past.

Such activities instil a deep sense of pride and identity. It helps youth appreciate Vietnam’s storied history while reinforcing the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage. They remind us of the values and sacrifices that shaped Vietnam and inspire efforts to preserve its cultural heritage in a modern world.

The festival is a meaningful celebration that honors national heroes, fosters patriotism, and strengthens community bonds through tradition and remembrance

The Kim Dang Temple Festival is a spiritual and cultural event and a powerful symbol of gratitude, unity, and national pride. It offers locals and visitors alike a chance to immerse themselves in rich cultural traditions and experience the sacred, joyful spirit of one of Northern Vietnam’s most iconic festivals. Book your Vietnam tour to enjoy special festivals to learn about Vietnam’s heroic past, and appreciate the beauty of traditional culture.