A Shimmering Festival Night by the Banks of the Da River

The Da River has long been far more than a mere conduit for rich alluvium, water supplies, and hydroelectric power; it is a profound cultural and spiritual current intimately intertwined with the daily lives of residents along its banks. To the people of Hoa Binh, this river is revered as a “mother river,” sheltering, nourishing, and fostering generations. Extending the historical currents of this ancestral legacy, the Hoa Binh Ward People’s Committee recently organized the 2026 Fish-Worshipping and Flower-Lantern Releasing Ceremony at the park area of the Da Giang Walking Street. The festival magnetically drew tens of thousands of locals and cross-regional travelers to sightsee and immerse themselves in the experience.

A captivating jet-ski presentation performed by the Hoa Binh Lake Water Sports Club.

As twilight fell, the festive space smoothly transitioned into a mystical and enchanting spiritual atmosphere. This year, the Mo Muong heritage was prominently celebrated through the inaugural fish-worshipping rituals, the releasing of live fish back into nature, and traditional sacrifices executed solemnly amidst echoing gong beats, illustrating collective prayers for a peaceful life, favorable weather, and national prosperity.

People’s Artisan Bui Van Minh—the Shaman presiding over the rituals—leads the Fish-Worshipping Ceremony.

Shamans executing sacrificial rituals at the Fish-Worshipping Ceremony.

People’s Artisan Bui Van Minh—the Shaman who presided over the rituals—shared: "The fish-worshipping ceremony on the Da River is an occasion to pay deep homage to our mother river. As the ancient Mo verses rise in harmony with the resounding gong echoes, we infuse within them the entire community’s prayers for peace. Witnessing travelers listen with absolute reverence, heritage guardians like us feel immensely proud because Mo Muong culture possesses a powerful, roaring vitality."

Within the framework of the festival, a curated art show themed “The Undercurrents of Heritage” offered spectators an emotionally charged artistic space. Special performances of Hat Van (spiritual singing) dedicated to the Goddess of Thac Bo Temple and the choreography “The Miracles of the Da River,” enhanced by modern audio-visual technology, vividly recreated the historical and cultural chronicles of the lands by the Da Giang axis.

Even more impressive was the sight of over 200 gong artisans forming a long line stretching from An Duong Vuong Street right down to the riverbank, collectively orchestrating deep, powerful harmonies that echoed with the epic grandeur of the Northwest mountains. The most moving milestone arrived when thousands of flower lanterns, distributed free of charge by the organizers, were illuminated and gently released onto the river by locals and tourists alike, transforming the Da River into a breathtaking, shimmering sea of light.

The ritual of releasing live fish back into the wild.

Beyond its cultural and spiritual magnetism, the festival stood out for its highly professional organization and governance. To ensure absolute safety, the Hoa Binh Ward People’s Committee proactively collaborated with the Hoa Binh Hydropower Company to regulate water flows, guarantee waterway traffic safety, and deploy highly efficient remote traffic redirection blueprints.

Crucially, the element of “green tourism” was placed at the forefront by the organizing board. Immediately following the conclusion of the festival, motorized boats swiftly scoured the river to retrieve all discarded lantern frames, promptly restoring a pristine landscape to the Da River. This civilized and professional touch left a beautiful, lasting impression on the hearts of visitors.

The most moving moment arrived when thousands of flower lanterns, distributed free of charge by the organizers, were illuminated and gently released onto the river by locals and tourists alike.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thao, a traveler from Hanoi, shared: "I am genuinely overwhelmed by the immense scale and sacredness of this festival. Every single activity was organized systematically, safely, and civilly. This is an incredibly memorable experience, and I will certainly return."

The positive spillovers of the festival vividly indicate that Hoa Binh Ward possesses massive potential to expand its tourism footprint, thanks to a harmonious combination of nature, history, and modern infrastructure. Travelers arriving here can seamlessly connect their itinerary to tour various nearby attractions, including the engineering marvel of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant topped by the President Ho Chi Minh Monument on Ong Tuong Hill, the Traditional House preserving the century-letter sent to future generations, the Hoa Binh Prison National Historic Site, or explore the majestic beauty of Hoa Binh Lake from local tourist ports while savoring ethnic Muong cuisine at the Da Giang Walking Street.

Locals and travelers fully immersing themselves in the vibrant ambiance of the walking street by the Da River.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Luyen—Chairman of the Hoa Binh Ward People’s Committee—solemnly affirmed: "The Fish-Worshipping and Flower-Lantern Releasing Ceremony carries not only spiritual weight but also serves as a vital bridge connecting heritage lines. Through conserving and promoting traditional cultural values, the locality aims to create a powerful strategic breakthrough in tourism development, step by step solidifying the status of our vibrant urban center by the historic Da River."

Hong Duyen