Ninh Binh – a land with rich natural landscapes and ancient cultural heritage has attracted tourists from all over the world. What makes Ninh Binh different is not only the breathtaking scenery but also the unique spiritual festivals preserved for generations. Let’s explore the most unique traditional cultural festivals of this land in the following article.
The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival
The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival takes place on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month or from the 6th to the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month at the cultural heritage site of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, located in Truong Yen district, Ninh Binh province. The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival is held in the central square of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital cultural heritage site, attracting a large number of local residents and tourists alike. It is one of the largest festivals of the year in Ninh Binh.
The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival is not only an occasion for residents and tourists to come together and enjoy themselves but also a time to honor national heroes and express patriotism. The significance of “Remembering the Source” is widely celebrated and promoted during this festival.
The festival includes various traditional and cultural activities such as temple opening ceremonies, incense offering rituals, and water procession ceremonies. Additionally, there are cultural and artistic performances, sports competitions, and folk games such as volleyball matches, photography exhibitions, calligraphy competitions, and displaying five-fruit trays to offer to the kings. These activities create a lively and joyful atmosphere for participants.
The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival serves as a platform for locals and visitors to not only celebrate the rich history and culture of the region but also to foster a sense of community and national pride. Through its diverse range of activities and events, the festival showcases the enduring spirit and traditions of Ninh Binh province.
The Nguyen Holy Temple Festival
The Nguyen Holy Temple Festival takes place from the 8th to the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month in Diem village, Gia Thang commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province.
The Nguyen Holy Temple, recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument since February 1989, holds significant historical and cultural importance. Similar to other temples such as Cao Son, Thien Ton, and Quy Minh within the Hoa Lu Quadrangle, the Nguyen Holy Temple festival is often celebrated concurrently with the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival annually.
The festival serves as a crucial occasion for local residents to honor the virtue of Saint Nguyen Minh Khong, a native son of Gia Vien land. The main festival is typically organized every 5 or 10 years (depending on economic conditions), alongside annual events during the Lunar New Year. During the main ceremony, traditional rituals are performed, including the procession of water from the Hoang Long River to the temple, offering ceremonies, and various traditional rites.
Aside from the solemn rituals, the festival also features a variety of folk games such as tug-of-war, 32-piece chess, cockfighting, volleyball, and football competitions, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere for participants.
The Nguyen Holy Temple Festival not only commemorates the local hero but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region. It serves as a platform for fostering community spirit, preserving traditions, and promoting tourism in Ninh Binh province.
The Traditional Festival of Worshiping Thanh Minh Dai Vuong
The Traditional Festival of Worshiping Thanh Minh Dai Vuong takes place on the 18th day of the 3rd lunar month at the Tran Temple, Minh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.
Thanh Minh Dai Vuong is one of the revered deities worshipped by the people according to folk beliefs. In Ninh Binh, people pay homage to Saint Minh at various locations such as Sinh Duoc village temple in Gia Sinh commune (Gia Vien), Canh Dieu mountain (Ninh Binh city), Thien Duong mountain, Ke Thuong temple in Ninh Van commune (Hoa Lu), and Tran Temple within the Trang An – Bai Dinh Spiritual Tourism Area.
The Traditional Festival of Worshiping Thanh Minh Dai Vuong in the Trang An ecological area is one of the most remarkable festivals in Ninh Binh, attracting numerous tourists from afar.
One of the highlights of the festival is the water procession ceremony, ritual offerings, and releasing of boats on the river with thousands of vessels. The procession of boats traverses over 5 km on the Sao Khe River, passing through more than 11 caves along the river. Participating in this boat procession not only allows tourists to immerse themselves in the sacred atmosphere of the festival but also provides them with a breathtaking view of the Trang An scenic landscape.
After passing through the caves, the procession splits into two parts, with one continuing the journey on the river while the other docks to perform rituals on the shore. The procession on the shore traverses over 3 km, passing through three mountain peaks to reach the Noi Lam temple and conduct ceremonial rites.
The Traditional Festival of Worshiping Thanh Minh Dai Vuong is not only a religious event but also a celebration of culture, heritage, and natural beauty. It embodies the spiritual essence of the region and provides a unique experience for visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions and scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh province.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival
The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival takes place from the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. Bai Dinh Pagoda comprises both ancient and newly constructed temple areas, with a total area spanning 539 hectares. With the advantage of being a vast temple complex, the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is one of the largest festivals, attracting a large number of
The festival is organized to commemorate the contributions of heroic figures to the homeland and the nation. It is also an opportunity for tourists to celebrate the Lunar New Year, visit the pagoda, make offerings to Buddha, pray for the nation’s prosperity, and wish for peace and prosperity for their families.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is divided into two parts: the ritual part and the festive part. The ritual part includes ceremonies such as lighting incense to worship Buddha, honoring the virtues of Saint Nguyen Minh Khong, offering ceremonies to the deities Cao Son and Thanh Mau Thuong Ngan. Representatives, monks, Buddhists, and tourists participate in prayers for the nation’s prosperity, favorable weather, and the country’s prosperity and well-being.
The festival also includes folk games, cave exploration, pagoda visits, and the enjoyment of traditional arts such as Cheo, Xam, and Ca tru folk songs from the ancient capital.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is not only a religious event but also a celebration of culture, tradition, and community spirit. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and spiritual atmosphere of Ninh Binh province.
The Nguyen Cong Tru Temple Festival
The Nguyen Cong Tru Temple Festival takes place from the 14th to the 16th day of the 11th lunar month in Quang Thien commune, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province.
One of the must-visit festivals when exploring Ninh Binh is the Nguyen Cong Tru Temple Festival. Considered the largest festival for the residents of the coastal district of Kim Son, Ninh Binh province, this festival is held to commemorate the contributions and honor the memory of Nguyen Cong Tru. He was a prominent figure who led the people in reclaiming land from the sea, establishing Kim Son district (the golden mountains) of Ninh Binh and Tien Hai (the silver sea) of Thai Binh.
The festival consists of two main parts: the ritual part and the festive part. The ritual part involves offering incense at the Nguyen Cong Tru Temple in Quang Thien commune, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province. It usually sees the participation of many villages in Kim Son district, with both villagers and priests participating in various ceremonies.
The festive part is where various activities take place, including boat racing on the branches of the Vac River, a characteristic feature of the festival for the residents of the coastal plain. Additionally, there are cultural activities such as Ca Tru singing competitions, a traditional folk music form related to Nguyen Cong Tru.
The Nguyen Cong Tru Temple Festival is not only a time for religious rituals but also a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community. It offers visitors a glimpse into the traditions and customs of the region, as well as the opportunity to enjoy various entertaining activities amidst the scenic beauty of Ninh Binh province.
The Thai Vi Temple Festival
The Thai Vi Temple Festival takes place from the 14th to the 17th day of the 3rd lunar month in Van Lam hamlet, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Among the spiritual festivals in Ninh Binh, the Thai Vi Temple Festival is organized to commemorate the contributions of the Tran dynasty kings to the nation. One of the remarkable features of this festival is the procession, which includes not just one procession but over 30 processions from various villages in Hoa Lu district and Ninh Binh province.
Following the procession is the important ritual ceremony conducted in front of the Thai Vi Temple. Lastly, there is the festival part with unique folk games such as human chess, lion dance, dragon dance, wrestling, and boat racing.
The Thai Vi Temple Festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration that brings together communities from across the region. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of Ninh Binh province while enjoying the festive atmosphere and engaging in entertaining activities.
The Bao Ban Non Khe Festival
The Bao Ban Non Khe Festival takes place on the 14th day of the 1st lunar month at the Non Khe village temple, Yen Tu commune, Yen Mo district, Ninh Binh province.
Every year, during the middle of the 1st lunar month, the Non Khe village in Yen Tu commune, Yen Mo district, Ninh Binh province, holds the Bao Ban Festival. This traditional festival holds significance as it commemorates the ancestors who founded the village, symbolizing gratitude and remembrance for their contributions. It is also a time for descendants of the village, no matter where they are, to return home and participate in the village celebration.
The festival includes a ceremony to offer incense and pay tribute to the virtues of the ancestors who established the village, as well as to express gratitude to the Thanh Hoang (the village guardian deity) and ancestral spirits for the achievements and prosperity of the village and its descendants over the past year.
Following the ceremony is the lively festival part, featuring various activities such as wrestling, chess matches, lion dances, and sports activities.
The Bao Ban Non Khe Festival is not only a cultural event but also a time for reunion, gratitude, and celebration. It fosters a sense of community and connection among the villagers and serves as an important tradition in preserving the cultural heritage of Ninh Binh province.
The Ky Phuc Temple Festival in Cam Gia
The Ky Phuc Temple Festival in Cam Gia takes place on the 12th day of the 10th lunar month at Cam Gia temple, Ninh Khanh ward, Ninh Binh city.
Among the not-to-be-missed festivals in Ninh Binh is the Ky Phuc Temple Festival in Cam Gia. Held annually on the 12th day of the 10th lunar month, this festival embodies the traditional cultural beauty of Cam Gia village as well as the entire Ninh Binh region.
The Ky Phuc Festival consists of two main parts: the ritual part and the festive part. The ritual part comprises four ceremonies: the proclamation ceremony, the prayer ceremony, the incense offering ceremony, and the conclusion ceremony. The ritual ceremonies are conducted by ten elderly villagers selected by the village, conducted with solemnity and adherence to traditional rituals, demonstrating respect and preservation of the cultural heritage of the homeland.
The festival combines traditional and modern elements, attracting people to participate in activities such as dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, and folk games like tug-of-war and human chess.
The Ky Phuc Temple Festival in Cam Gia is not just a celebration but a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of Ninh Binh. It serves as a platform for locals and visitors alike to come together, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories.
