Tam Chúc Pagoda Festival Inaugurated in Hà Nam
Hà Nam, The Gulf Observer: National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Thanh attended the Tam Chúc Pagoda Festival inauguration ceremony in Kim Bảng township, Hà Nam province, on February 9.
The incense offering ritual, presided over by Most Venerable Thích Thanh Nhiễu, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council and Abbot of Tam Chúc Pagoda, was conducted to pray for national peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the people.
On this occasion, the NA Vice Chairwoman presented the “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination” and “Special Achievement” awards for 2024, conferred by the World Travel Awards, to Hà Nam province.
A Heritage of Culture and Spirituality
Addressing the event, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Trương Quốc Huy highlighted the Tam Chúc Pagoda complex as a remarkable cultural and spiritual heritage, boasting rich tourism resources and breathtaking landscapes. He emphasized that with its comprehensive infrastructure and high-quality services, the site has become a key attraction in Hà Nam’s tourism industry.
Held annually on the 12th day of the first lunar month, the Tam Chúc Pagoda Festival aims to preserve and promote Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions while also enhancing Hà Nam’s global recognition as a sustainable tourism hub.
The Tam Chúc Pagoda complex is an architectural marvel that blends natural beauty with Buddhist heritage. Situated on the foundations of an ancient pagoda dating back over 1,000 years to the Đinh Dynasty, the site draws pilgrims and tourists eager to admire its unique architecture, spiritual atmosphere, and picturesque surroundings.
A Spiritual Journey Amidst Nature
Visitors begin their journey at the Tam Chúc wharf, boarding boats whose roofs resemble traditional temple designs. As they traverse Lục Nhạc (Six Bells) Lake, they pass six small islands, which, according to legend, are bells brought from heaven.
Covering an area of 5,100 hectares, the Tam Chúc Pagoda complex includes:
- The Jade Pagoda, perched atop Thất Tinh (Seven Stars) Mountain
- Tam Chúc Temple
- Tam Thế Pagoda (The Main Hall of Buddhas of the Three Times)
Beyond its archaeological significance, the site preserves intangible cultural values through festivals, legends, and Buddhist heritage, deeply intertwining culture, belief, and history. With a commitment to sustainable tourism, the complex maintains its natural ecosystem and spiritual essence, offering visitors a unique pilgrimage experience amidst lakes, mountains, and ancient forests.
