Via Ba Festival 2026

The Via Ba Festival is a treasured cultural and spiritual event that honors the kindness and devotion of Mrs. Do Thi Tan, a revered midwife known for her selfless service to the community. Blending sacred rituals with lively folk games and traditional performances, the festival reflects the deep-rooted values of gratitude.

Dates of the traditional Via Ba Festival

The festival is a cherished annual tradition held locally from the 16th to the 19th day of the first lunar month in Nhon Phong Commune, An Nhon Town, Binh Dinh Province (An Nhon Bac Ward, new Gia Lai Province). It honors the virtues and contributions of Mrs. Do Thi Tan and serves as a time for the community to pray for national harmony, public well-being, abundant harvests, and a prosperous, peaceful life for all.

The celebration is held from the 16th to the 19th day of the first lunar month

Legend of Mrs. Tan - A midwife of great virtue

According to a local legend passed down through generations, Mrs. Tan was a kind-hearted midwife who lived over three centuries ago. No matter how far or difficult the journey, she was always there to help bring new life into the world whenever a woman was in labor. Her healing hands were said to carry blessings, and she never accepted repayment for her selfless service. Moved by her compassion and virtue, King Tu Duc honored her with a royal decree titled "An Duc Do Nhan" (Grace and Kindness to the People). It is believed that on the night of the 16th and early morning of the 17th day of the first lunar month, she quietly ascended to heaven.

Mrs. Tan was honored with the royal title "An Duc Do Nhan" by King Tu Duc

To honor her kindness and virtue, the villagers built a temple on the land where she once lived, known as Mieu Ba or Hoi San Nuong Than Mieu. Inside, a worship tablet dedicated to her is carefully maintained and respectfully offered incense by the locals. Flanking her tablet are two small figures of children in ceremonial attire, symbolizing innocence and purity. They also represent the many newborns she helped during difficult births. In 2006, the temple was officially recognized as a provincial historical and cultural relic.

Ritual highlights of the Via Ba Festival

The ritual is carried out with deep reverence, following time-honored traditions passed down through generations. It offers the community a meaningful moment to express gratitude and offer heartfelt prayers.

Spiritual rites and cultural joys of the festival

The celebration begins at 11 p.m. on the 16th day of the first lunar month and is conducted with solemnity following traditional rituals. The ceremonial team includes eight members: one main celebrant, a left-hand and a right-hand celebrant, one "khi co", and four students dressed in ceremonial robes. By the time the ritual concludes, it has already transitioned into the next day.
A distinctive feature of the Via Ba Festival is the custom of “dot cay bong”, which marks the moment of inviting the Lady’s palanquin back to the village. As the palanquin makes its way through the streets, accompanied by a vibrant lion dance troupe, the procession stops at homes that have set up incense tables and lanterns at their gates to welcome the Lady. It is believed that when the lion dance troupe enters a home, they bring with them the Lady’s blessings, while also warding off misfortune and bad luck, ensuring peace and prosperity for the household.

The Via Ba Festival is carried out with solemn respect, adhering to traditional rituals

Additionally, the festival features a lively array of activities, including lion and dragon dances, martial arts performances, and traditional folk games such as tug of war, bit mat bat vit, nhay bao bo, running, xo co nhon, and volleyball matches. Cultural elements like tuong singing add to the festive atmosphere, drawing large crowds to join in the celebration.

Important notes when offering festival gifts

According to local elders, offerings during the Lady’s Day are not strictly prescribed as in other festivals. Each person may choose their offerings based on sincerity and remembrance of the Lady’s selfless devotion to the community. However, it is traditionally forbidden to offer beans, as the Lady’s family name is Do (Do means beans), and these items are considered inappropriate out of respect.

Offering beans is traditionally avoided

The Via Ba Festival is a meaningful celebration that honors the compassion and legacy of Mrs. Do Thi Tan while preserving the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of the community. Don’t miss the chance to travel to Gia Lai and experience the sacred atmosphere, lively festivities, and warm hospitality of the event firsthand!