Vice President of Việt Nam Võ Thị Ánh Xuân offers incense at the temple of the National Mother of Tây Thiên. — VNA/VNS Photos

PHÚ THỌ — The Tây Thiên Spring Festival officially started on Thursday at the Tây Thiên Scenic Area in Đại Đình Commune, Phú Thọ Province.

Vice President of Việt Nam Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and other State leaders attended.

The festival honours the Mother of the Nation Lăng Thị Tiêu, wife of Hùng Chiêu Vương, who was himself the son of a Hùng King, a Vietnamese ancestor. She and her husband helped expand the realm, taught wet rice cultivation, recruited soldiers and strengthened the dynasty.

The ceremony was held solemnly with traditional rituals, including an announcement ceremony, a palanquin procession, an opening ceremony, and incense offering and thanksgiving rites. 

Starting at the foot of the mountain, the procession moved toward the Upper Temple amid flags and flowers, with many local people in traditional costumes, creating a distinctive cultural atmosphere.

A highlight of the festival was a ceremony honouring the Tây Thiên Mother Goddess, an intangible cultural heritage rich in traditional values. The belief reflects the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people and underscores the role of women in society, paying respect to mothers who have contributed to the nation’s history.

The solemn palanquin procession during the Tây Thiên festival.

In addition to rituals, the organising committee coordinated cultural, sports and tourism activities, including a volleyball tournament, a sticky rice cake-making competition, art performances and drum displays.

The Tây Thiên historical relic and scenic area is an ancient architectural complex of pagodas, temples, shrines and steles that bears the imprint of national history and culture. 

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recognised Tây Thiên Mother Goddess worship as a national intangible heritage.

Celebrations continue through Saturday. — VNS