Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival declared National Intangible Cultural Heritage

THE HANOI TIMES — The vivid Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival has recently listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the pagoda's 34 statues being designated as national treasures.

The annual festival begins with the new year and culminates on the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month, continuing until the month’s end in Hanoi’s suburban Thach That District.

This celebration combine cultural and religious activities, featuring rituals that honor heaven and earth, traditional Buddhist ceremonies, and lively folk games. The festival is a unique cultural experience, reflecting the rich spiritual and community values of the region.

Nguyen Manh Hong, Chairman of the Thach That District People's Committee, highlighted the importance of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival as a national intangible cultural heritage, saying that the festival has significance in the spiritual life of the local community.

"The festival carries a profound historical value. It plays a key role in preserving traditional cultural values, fostering connections among people, and attracting tourists to the region," he said.

About 20 km from the center of Hanoi, Thach That has a rich history of over 600 years and is home to more than 200 cultural relics, including the Tay Phuong Pagoda, also known as Sung Phuc Tu, which is famous for its unique collection of Buddha statues.

Built in the 16th century and restored in the 18th century, Tay Phuong Pagoda has a distinctive architecture typical to places of worship in the north of Vietnam. Visitors can climb 239 stone steps to reach the pagoda, offering a unique and rewarding experience. The pagoda is famous for its exquisitely carved wooden Buddha statues, especially the 18 Arhat statues from the 18th century, which are masterpieces of Vietnamese art.

Local authorities have emphasized the importance of promoting the heritage of Tay Phuong Pagoda to both preserve its cultural significance and attract more visitors to ensure that this remarkable site continues to shine on Hanoi's tourism map.