Lion and dragon dancers perform in front of Bà Thiên Hậu (Lady Thiên Hậu) Pagoda, praying for peace, prosperity and good fortune at the start of the Lunar New Year. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

HCM CITY — Thousands of pilgrims from across Việt Nam gathered in early 2026 for the annual festival at Bà Thiên Hậu (Lady Thiên Hậu) Pagoda, one of the most prominent spiritual events in southern Việt Nam.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors flock to Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda to pray for peace and prosperity at the start of the Lunar New Year.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

Held on the 14th and 15th days of the first lunar month, the festival honours Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, revered as the goddess who protects seafarers and blesses devotees with peace and prosperity.

A colourful procession prepares to set off through central Thủ Dầu Một as part of the Bà Thiên Hậu Temple Festival’s traditional parade.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

The statue of Thiên Hậu is carefully carried on a palanquin by artisans and attendants as the traditional procession begins through central Thủ Dầu Một.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

By dawn, incense smoke curled above the temple courtyard in HCM City’s Thủ Dầu Một Ward as lines of worshippers stretched along surrounding streets, many carrying offerings of fruit and flowers.

Pilgrims travelled from neighbouring provinces such as Đồng Nai, Tây Ninh and Long An, as well as from the Mekong Delta, to pray for health, good business and family harmony in the new year.

A large procession carrying the statue of Thiên Hậu moves through central Thủ Dầu Một during the annual Rằm tháng Giêng festival at Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda, drawing huge crowds of pilgrims and visitors.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

Lion and dragon dance performances were among the festival’s most vibrant highlights. Accompanied by rhythmic drums and cymbals, performers in brightly coloured costumes leapt and swayed through the streets, symbolically driving away bad luck and bringing blessings for peace and prosperity.

A lion dance performance entertains crowds during the Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda Festival, bringing wishes for peace and prosperity at the start of the Lunar New Year. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

A lion dance performer balances on a high pole during a street performance. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

Dragon dance troupes parade through crowded streets during the Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda Festival, drawing large crowds of pilgrims and visitors.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

Lion dancer performers showcase impressive qigong techniques and strength demonstrations, drawing cheers from the crowd during the festive celebrations.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

Local residents also set up dozens of roadside stations offering free drinking water and simple meals to visitors. Volunteers handed out bánh mì, stir-fried noodles and boxed vegetarian dishes, providing welcome relief for pilgrims after hours of travel.

Local residents distribute free bottled water, bánh mì and vegetarian meals to pilgrims attending the annual Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda Festival.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

Vegetarian bánh mì prepared by local residents are handed out free of charge to serve pilgrims during the annual festival.— VNA/VNS Photo Văn Châu

As night fell, streams of worshippers continued to light incense and bow in prayer, their hopes for a peaceful and prosperous year reflected in the glow of candlelight. — VNS