Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Pham Xuan Tai presents flowers in congratulations. Photo: Division of Culture, Science and Information of Thach That District
Thach That District is an ancient land with a long-standing history and cultural tradition, embodying the unique identity of Xu Doai culture. Thach That District currently has 209 historical and cultural relics, including the Tay Phuong Pagoda – a Special National Relic. Tay Phuong Pagoda is the only pagoda that still preserves a system of Buddhist statues – masterpieces of ancient Vietnamese sculpture.
In 1962, Tay Phuong Pagoda was recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a national historical and cultural relic. In 2014, it was ranked as a Special National Relic. In 2015, the system of Buddhist statues of Tay Phuong Pagoda from the Tay Son period, dating back to the late 18th century, was recognized as a National Treasure by the Prime Minister.
Chairman of the Thach That District People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Hong speaking at the ceremony. Photo: Division of Culture, Science and Information of Thach That District
The Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival is held annually, with the main festive day on the 6th day of the third lunar month, featuring rituals to offer prayers to Heaven and Earth, traditional Buddhist worship rites, and unique folk games… The Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival is a cultural beauty, and a religious and spiritual activity of great significance in the spiritual life of the people of Thach That, Buddhist followers and visitors from all directions.
The inclusion of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List not only carries great historical, cultural, scientific and educational values but also embodies traditional values that connect the local community, creating strong vitality and continuing the fine traditions of the cultural identity of Thach That District.
Secretary of the Thach That District Party Committee Le Minh Duc beats the drum to open the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival. Photo: Division of Culture, Science and Information of Thach That District
To preserve, conserve and promote the heritage values of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival, Thach That District continues to enhance communication efforts on the significance of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Special National Relic. It actively promotes and boosts tourism through many specific and effective solutions. Projects for restoration, embellishment and planning of the surrounding areas of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Special National Relic will continue to be implemented, gradually meeting the needs of people and visitors. The district is finalizing the dossier to request the recognition of Thach Xa, Binh Phu and Chang Son water puppetry as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Delegates together with religious dignitaries, monks, Buddhist followers and visitors offer flowers and incense. Photo: Division of Culture, Science and Information of Thach That District
Particularly, during the festival days of Tay Phuong Pagoda, the festival’s Organizing Committee and the People’s Committees of communes and townships conduct effective management and protection of relics and artifacts, preventing harm to the landscape of the relic area, ensuring security, order, environmental sanitation and food safety. Communication is strengthened to promote a civilized lifestyle during the festival.
Thao Nhi