Keo Pagoda Festival celebrates Autumn feast

October 11, 2016 - 09:00

The Autumn feast opening ceremony of the Keo Pagoda Festival was held at Duy Nhất commune, Vũ Thư district yesterday.

17th century structure: Keo Pagoda was named a special national heritage site in 2012. — Photo baochinhphu.vn
Viet Nam News

THÁI BÌNH – The Autumn feast opening ceremony of the Keo Pagoda Festival was held at Duy Nhất commune, Vũ Thư district yesterday.

The festival commemorates the merits of fisherman-turned-zen-master Dương Không Lộ (1016-1094) and of those who helped to build Keo pagoda, a spiritual, cultural and religious site constructed to serve the needs of domestic and foreign tourism and cultural sightseeing.

Many traditional activities, including an opening the gate ceremony, Buddhist offering ritual, use of the kiệu (palanquin), and a tug of war take place at the festival.

Keo pagoda was built in the 17th century. The pagoda has 17 buildings with 128 compartments. Its bell-tower is roofed with 100 elephant head statues, representing the cultural and architectural icon of the province.

Spring festival and Autumn feast are both observed at Keo pagoda, which was named a special national heritage site in 2012. --VNS

 

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