Traditional festival of Nha Ba Temple in Tien Du commune

On the morning of March 8 (the 9th day of the second lunar month), Tien Du Commune, Phu Ninh District, solemnly held the Traditional Festival of Nha Ba Temple in 2025. The festival is a tribute to the two princesses, Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa, daughters of the 18th Hung King, honoring their contributions and legacy.

The event featured a solemn procession and sacred worship rituals, reflecting the people’s deep respect for the princesses. Beyond commemorating ancestral merits, the festival also serves as a prayer for national peace and prosperity, abundant harvests, and a prosperous, fulfilling life.

Local residents carried offerings to the temple as part of the ceremony.

Following the formal rituals, a variety of cultural, sporting, and traditional folk games were organized, drawing a large crowd of locals and tourists alike. Notable activities such as swinging, tug-of-war, and catching eels in jars not only created a lively and festive atmosphere but also played a vital role in preserving Vietnam’s rich folk traditions.

The festival featured a grand procession and ceremonial worship, honoring the two princesses.

Nha Ba Temple is one of the most significant historical and cultural sites in Tien Du Commune, Phu Ninh District. It is part of a larger heritage complex that includes Nha Ba Temple, Toi Linh Communal House, and Thai Binh Pagoda. This sacred site houses numerous valuable relics and antiques, such as nine royal decrees from the Nguyen Dynasty, ancient statues, intricate reliefs, and other rare artifacts. Recognizing its historical and cultural importance, the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee designated the Nha Ba Temple complex as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic in 1999.

Young men and women eagerly participated in the traditional swinging game at the temple festival grounds.

The Traditional Festival of Nha Ba Temple is not only a moment for the local community to express their gratitude to their ancestors but also an essential means of preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural heritage. By maintaining these traditions, the festival helps educate younger generations about the nation’s history, fostering a deep sense of respect for their origins and reinforcing the enduring spirit of gratitude and remembrance.

Bao Thoa