Bắc Lệ Temple Festival – A Colorful Display of Folk Culture

The Bắc Lệ Temple Festival, held annually from the 18th to the 20th day of the ninth lunar month, is a time when pilgrims from all over come to worship and immerse themselves in a unique spiritual atmosphere. This is one of the hallmark festivals of the Mother Goddess worship tradition in the Northeast region.

The festival consists of two parts: the ceremonial rites and the festive activities. The solemn ceremonies include incense offerings, rituals, and a procession carrying the Mother Goddess palanquin from the main temple to the shrine at the foot of the hill. Hundreds of participants wearing traditional costumes, carrying ceremonial umbrellas and flags, parade to the sound of drums and gongs, creating a sacred yet intimate atmosphere.

The festival activities are lively, featuring chầu văn singing, vegetarian cooking contests, cultural exchanges, and traditional folk games. Particularly, the “hầu đồng” spirit mediumship ritual continues nonstop for three days, attracting large crowds of spectators and participants.

Attending the Bắc Lệ Temple Festival, visitors not only experience the beauty of local beliefs but also gain insight into the spiritual life of the community — people devoted to tradition and deeply respectful of their heritage.