Thousands of people flocked to Danang City’s Ngu Hanh Son, to take part in the Goddess of Mercy Festival, which opened on March 11.
Thousands of people flocked to Ngu Hanh Son
The festival is considered one of Vietnam’s15 most special cultural events.
The ceremony was held in the foothills of Thuy Son Mountain, where the Goddess of Mercy Pagoda is located. According to legend, a block of stalactite resembling Goddess of Mercy was found there.
The most unique feature of this year's festival was the participation of Indian Buddhist priests from the Namgyal-Dharamsala pagoda responsible for promoting Buddhist thoughts, such as Kim Cang Thua or Vajrayana and its historical development, the image of Compassion Avalokitesvara and Tara in Vajrayana.
The ceremony included incense offering ritual to pray for good luck and peace for the whole nation, greeting spring, and inviting the Goddess of Mercy to descend the mountain to bring blessings to people.
Folk games, a calligraphy display, floating multi-coloured lanterns, and boat racing were also organised as part of the event.
Photos taken from the festival:
The stream of people for incense offering ritual
