Vice Chairman of Hà Giang 1 Ward People's Committee Lê Xuân Mạnh (centre) performs the ceremony to pay respect to the founding Mother Goddess of Cấm Sơn - Linh Từ Temple, hoping for peace and prosperity for everyone in the country. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ GIANG — The Cấm Sơn Linh Từ Temple festival has kicked off in Hà Giang City, the northern province of Tuyên Quang, with a solemn yet joyous procession that drew thousands of participants.

The People’s Committee of Hà Giang 1 Ward jointly organised the ceremony with the presence of Trần Quang Minh, Member of the Standing Committee of Tuyên Quang Province and Chairman of its Organisation Commission of the Provincial Committee.

Local officials and culture department authorities attended to show their support for preserving and promoting traditional cultural values and boosting tourism in Hà Giang.

As sustainable tourism develops, connecting local historical traditions has become a fresh driver for linking heritage with contemporary comforts across many localities in Việt Nam. This year, the 2026 Linh Từ Cấm Sơn Mother Goddess Temple ceremony and festival is set to lead the way.

The carriage procession arrieved at the Cấm Sơn Linh Từ Temple in Hà Giang 1 Ward. VNA/VNS Photo Đức Thọs Rước kiệu về Đền Mẫu Cấm Sơn Linh Từ (phường Hà Giang 1, Tuyên Quang)

Lê Xuân Mạnh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hà Giang 1 Ward, told Việt Nam News, "The Mother Goddess Temple festival has an in-depth spiritual meaning. It reflects our wishes and hope for a good year with favourable weather for bumper crops, and good health and happiness for the people."

The Cấm Sơn Linh Từ Temple was built in 1889 and honours the Mother Mountain Goddess, Princess Liễu Hạnh, and God Trần Hưng Đạo. Its name, Cấm Sơn Linh Từ, means the sacred temple that rests against the firm mountain and overlooks the mighty Lô River. Local legend holds that when Lưu Vĩnh Phúc's Golden Flag troops took their own lives after being defeated in the area, people built the temple to offer solace to their souls.

For over a century, the temple has remained a significant site for local cultural processions and activities, attracting both residents and visitors.

Vice Chairman of Hà Giang 1 Ward People's Committee Lê Xuân Mạnh says he hopes the festival shall boost travel activities to the Temple. VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

In 2024, the Cấm Sơn Linh Từ Temple was classified as a National Treasure by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, recognising not only its traditional cultural values but also its potential to become a sustainable tourism destination for the province.

This year, the festival formed part of local authorities’ efforts to advance a green economy strategy, using cultural values as a foundation and tourism as a driving force.

"We hope the Temple shall be not only a tourist destination, but also a shrine for soul-searching visitors who would like to experience cultural traditions of Việt people," Lê Xuân Mạnh added.

A large-scale festival showcased significant local products and featured activities promoting local brands, allowing visitors to create more market opportunities and value for local entrepreneurs. Authorities hope this trend will develop into a sustainable growth model for small and medium-sized businesses in the area over the long term. — VNS