On April 25, 2023 (March 06 on the Lunar calendar), in Thai Lac pagoda, the People's Committee of Lac Hong commune solemnly held the opening ceremony of praying for rain festival...

On April 25, 2023 (March 06 on the Lunar calendar), in Thai Lac pagoda, the People's Committee of Lac Hong commune solemnly held the opening ceremony of praying for rain festival...

This is the festival carrying distinctive culture of the Red River Delta to pray for prosperous state and peaceful people, timely rain and favorable weather, bumper crops, well-off and happy life for generations; at the same time, to build and develop a culture imbued with national identity.

          Praying for rain festival has a long history associated with worshipping rituals  ofFour Deities namely the Cloud Deity, the Rain Deity, the Thunder Deity and the Lightning deity. It shows the wish of nature conquer, timely rain and favorable weather, lush crops, prosperity for the country and constant growth of nature. Previously, the praying for rain festival was held during drought; however, the festival was no longer organized due to pagodas being destroyed by war. Until 2005, the festival was restored to the ancient process and rituals. On Jan. 1, 2022, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued the Decision ref 68/QĐ-BVHTTDL about the announcement of the national cultural intangible list. Accordingly, the praying for rain festival in Lac Hong commune was listed as the national intangible cultural heritage.

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         March.6 on the Lunar calendar was the main festival day. On this day, the ritual procession of Thunder Deity and Rain Deity. On March 7, the water procession ritual was taken place, after that, Thunder Deity, Rain Deity and Cloud Deity were taken to Hong Thai pagoda where worshiped Lightning Deity. On March 8, people would escort them back to their home pagodas and hold the settlement ceremony.

            Especially, on the festival days, in addition to the solemnly worshiping and ceremonial activities, the festive part with traditional games such as tug of war, hitting the hanging clay pot, blind man's bluff drew attention of tourists. In recent years, the praying for rain festival has become a big one attracting large number of people to come and relish.

Nguồn trích dẫn: hungyentourism.com.vn