Turning Toward the Ancestral Roots

In the Vietnamese subconscious, the Hung Kings' Commemoration is more than just a holiday; it is a sacred spiritual symbol that crystallizes the moral principle: "When drinking water, remember its source." Each year, millions of people from all corners of the country make a pilgrimage to the Hung Temple, returning to the very origin of the nation.

Tourists offer incense at the Hung Temple, expressing deep gratitude for the founding merits of the Hung Kings.

A Hundred Branches Returning to the Same Root

The Hung Kings' Commemoration has long transcended the boundaries of a local festival to become the National Anniversary for the entire ethnic group. On the 10th day of the third lunar month, incense-offering rituals are solemnly held not only in Phu Tho but also at various Hung King shrines across the country. This proves that the Commemoration is not merely a cultural-religious event, but a spiritual thread connecting the Vietnamese community, whether in the mountains or the plains, at home or abroad.

However, the Hung Temple remains the ultimate destination of this journey back to the roots. Since the beginning of the year, the historic site has bustled with the footsteps of tens of thousands of pilgrims and overseas Vietnamese. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the site welcomed over 150,000 domestic and international visitors. This figure reflects not only the allure of a tourist destination but also the profound spiritual need to reconnect with one’s origins in modern life.

In the context of the newly merged province, the emotions directed toward the Hung Temple seem to carry an added layer of meaning. Mrs. Nguyen Thanh Hai, a resident of the new Hoa Binh Ward, shared that as an official citizen of the Ancestral Land, her feelings toward the National Anniversary have become even more intimate and sacred. Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Cong Quan from Ninh Binh Province emphasized that returning to the Hung Temple is an annual duty—a way to remember ancestors and educate younger generations.

Along the stone steps leading to the Hung Temple, a stream of people stretches through the drifting incense—a place where the past and the present meet in profound reverence and gratitude to our ancestors.

A Cultural Space Rich in Identity

While the Commemoration was once primarily tied to traditional rituals, it is now organized with increasing professionalism—ensuring the solemnity of the ceremonies while expanding the cultural-tourism space for the public.

According to Mrs. Pham Thi Hoang Oanh, Vice Director of the Hung Temple Historic Site, the unit has implemented digital upgrades, including digital maps, smart guidance systems, automated narrations, and QR codes at various points. These enhancements not only assist tourists but also improve the modern, sustainable management and preservation of the heritage.

In tandem with the central preparations, local communes and wards participate in clusters, organizing cultural camps, local product exhibitions, and folk competitions. Each locality brings its own unique cultural identity, contributing to a vibrant and diverse festival atmosphere.

The Hung Kings' Commemoration is a time for millions to find their way back to the Hung Temple and, in doing so, find their way back to themselves—to the very beginning of national history. As long as the crowds continue to ascend Nghia Linh Mountain and incense remains lit in reverence, the bond between the past and the present remains unbreakable. Ancestral roots will forever be the foundation for the nation to move steadily into the future.

Nguyen Yen