Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Tien pagode Festival

On February 20 (the 4th day of the first lunar month, Year of the Horse), at the Cave Complex National Monument in the Tien Pagoda area, the An Nghia Commune People's Committee solemnly organized the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Chua Tien Festival.

An artistic performance celebrates the opening of the 2026 Tien pagode Festival.

The Tien pagode Festival in An Nghia Commune is a traditional folk religious activity with ancient roots. It has been restored and maintained annually to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values of the nation.

Throughout the ups and downs of history, the Tien pagode Festival has become deeply ingrained in the local consciousness. It serves as a sanctuary for preserving noble values and a converging point for cultural and historical heritage, embodying the unique cultural characteristics of the Muong ethnic people.

A palanquin procession from three temples to the main festival grounds.

The festival is associated with the Cave Complex in the Tien pagode, which was designated as a National Monument in 2011. The complex comprises 20 sites, including historical-cultural relics, scenic landscapes, and archaeological sites—each holding its own distinct cultural and historical significance.

Provincial leaders offer incense at the Tam Bao (Three Jewels) Hall of Tien pagode .

The 2026 Tien pagode Festival spans three days (from February 19 to 21). Within the festival framework, a wide array of rich and unique cultural, artistic, and sporting activities have taken place: crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, stick pushing, volleyball exchanges, folk games, and a Spring Fair. The program also features folk art exchanges, ethnic instrument performances, Muong Gong art, Xoan singing, Cheo singing, Chau Van, and the practice of the Belief in the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms.

The Belief in the Mother Goddesses is reenacted at the Tien pagode Festival space.

Locals and tourists experience the unique Phu Tho Xoan singing.

A music and dance performance deeply imbued with the identity of ethnic groups in Phu Tho province.

An exciting volleyball exchange match between An Nghia Commune and communes of the former Lac Thuy District.

The annual organization of the Tien pagode Festival plays a vital role in propagating and educating all classes of people on patriotism and national pride. It contributes to raising awareness and responsibility in safeguarding, preserving, and promoting the heritage and fine traditions of the homeland.

Through the festival, the image, potential, and tourism products of the locality are widely promoted to domestic and international visitors. The event also encourages and motivates the community to actively participate in labor and production, striving to fulfill socio-economic development goals for 2026 and contribute to the successful implementation of the Provincial Party Congress Resolution and the 1st An Nghia Commune Party Congress Resolution for the 2025-2030 tenure.

Bui Minh