The Prayer Ceremony at Phuc Co Communal House, Minh Hoa Commune

On the 5th day of the 11th lunar month in the Year of the Snake (December 24, 2025), the local people of Minh Hoa Commune, along with descendants of 36 local lineages, solemnly organized the 2025 Prayer Ceremony at Phuc Co Communal House. This long-standing traditional cultural and religious practice is intimately connected to the spiritual life of generations in the area.

Mr. Phung Van Ty – The Guardian of Phuc Co Communal House performs the prayer ritual.

Phuc Co Communal House is a provincial-level historical and cultural relic dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung and the Seven Great Kings. Notably, it is the only communal house in the province to worship Emperor Quang Trung. It was restored in 2008 and officially recognized as a provincial relic in 2011.

The ritual ceremonies are performed according to traditional protocols.

Each year, the communal house hosts four major prayer periods: the Annual Festival (15th day of the 1st lunar month), the Lower Field Ceremony (1st day of the 5th lunar month), the Main Prayer Ceremony (5th–6th days of the 11th lunar month), and the Forest Closing Ceremony (25th day of the 12th lunar month). Among these, the Main Prayer Ceremony is the most significant, maintained annually by local authorities and residents to honor the principle of “When drinking water, remember its source” and to pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and peaceful lives.

According to tradition, the 4th and 5th days of the 11th lunar month are the main prayer days. Locals revere Emperor Quang Trung (born Nguyen Hue, 1788–1792), a national hero celebrated as the "Cloth-Clad Hero." Additionally, the house honors the Seven Great Kings—legendary and historical figures credited with protecting the village from natural disasters and epidemics.

Palanquin procession at Phuc Co Communal House.

Following traditional rites, the “Reporting Ceremony” takes place on the 4th, while the Great Ceremony and Procession occur on the 5th. Offerings include tributes to the Guardian God, Local Spirits, Tree Spirits, and the Five Mountain Spirits. The rituals are followed by cultural activities and folk games.

Leaders of the local Party Committee and authorities offer incense during the ceremony.

In a solemn atmosphere, leaders of the local Party Committee and government offered incense and tributes before the spirits of Emperor Quang Trung and the Seven Great Kings. They expressed deep gratitude to their ancestors and prayed for national peace and prosperity. They specifically prayed for Phu Tho Province to continue its development as a leading province in the Northern Midland and Mountainous region, and for Minh Hoa Commune to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for its people.

Sports competitions between Minh Hoa and neighboring communes create a joyful atmosphere.

Alongside the rituals, the festival featured vibrant cultural exchanges and volleyball matches between teams from Yen Lap, Tan Son, and Minh Hoa, fostering solidarity between the districts.

A large crowd of locals and tourists attend the festival.

This year’s ceremony was organized with solemnity and efficiency, funded by the communal house and community contributions. Through this festival, the locality continues to preserve and promote traditional values, educating the younger generation on patriotism, national pride, and the importance of cultural heritage conservation.

Vinh Ha