Hanoi: Huong Pagoda festivals to reopen on March 13

The ritual site of Huong (Perfume) Pagoda in the capital city's My Duc district will reopen from March 13, or on the 1st day of the second lunar month.

The festival must be organised in line with the city's COVID-19 preventive measures in public places, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee of Hanoi Chu Xuan Dung said in a meeting held in Hanoi on March 8.

Huong Pagoda. Photo: Cong Hung

A number of relics and places of interest in Hanoi such as Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Tay Ho Temple reopened on the morning of March 8.

Tay Ho Temple reopened in March 8.

Safety measures have been adhered to those places, according to Tran Thi Van Anh, Deputy Director of the city’s Department of Culture, who warned that the first day of the second lunar month (March 13) would see massive affluence of Buddhist followers to religious sites, thus local authorities should map out plans for any emergency.   

Relics, temples, religious establishments in the capital had shut down as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic since February 16.

From March 2, the city allowed restaurants to reopen but only for takeaway and indoor service, but diners must ensure a distance of one meter among them and screens must be set up between seats. Dance club, bar, karaoke, coffee and sidewalk eateries are remain banned until further notices.

As of March 9, Hanoi has confirmed no case of Covid-19 infection in the community for 22 consecutive days.