Do Temple Festival – Bac Ninh Province

Gallery of images from the Do Temple Festival in Bac Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam

This festival takes place from the 14th to the 16th days of the third lunar month, which, based on the solar calendar for 2010 was the 27th and 28th April. Vietnamese legend has it that the 15th day of the third lunar month was the coronation of King Ly Cong Uan. Later generations chose the day as a common festival to pay homage to Kings of the Ly Dynasty. According to customs in Dinh Bang Village, a chief officiate was appointed to administer the festival. The person then presents himself to the genie in a set of solemn rituals and votive offerings including a drum, a platter of betel, and a small bottle of wine.

Residential groups, cultural organizations and local authorities administer the festival to such accuracy and co-ordination that can only impress the onlooker. Each particular series of events are assigned according to the ages, relevance and the significance of each person in the community and nearby hamlets.

Read more and see further images in our blog post on the Do Temple Festival here