Bai Dinh Pagoda is located in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district. It is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, known for setting many Asian and Vietnamese records.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is held starting from the afternoon of the 1st day of the Lunar New Year, officially opening on the 6th day of Tet, and lasts until the end of March. This festival marks the beginning of the pilgrimage to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. The festival is divided into two main parts.
The ceremonial part includes rituals such as offering incense to Buddha, honoring the contributions of Saint Nguyen Minh Khong, ceremonies for the Cao Son deity, and offerings to the Mother Goddess of the Upper Forest. The festival begins with the procession of carrying the tablets of the Cao Son deity, Saint Nguyen, and the Upper Forest Goddess from the old pagoda area to the new pagoda for the celebratory activities.
The festive part of the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival includes folk games, cave exploration, sightseeing around the pagoda, and enjoying traditional art forms such as Cheo opera, Xam singing, and Ca Tru from the ancient capital. The theatrical performances, often organized by the Ninh Binh Cheo Theater, recreate the social rituals of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang’s enthronement and the flag ceremony of Emperor Quang Trung before going to battle.
Delegates, monks, Buddhists, and tourists participate in the rituals, praying for national peace, good weather, prosperity, and the well-being of all. With the advantage of its vast pagoda complex, the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is a large celebration that attracts numerous visitors. With connections to historical figures such as King Dinh Tien Hoang, King Quang Trung, and King Le Thanh Tong, as well as the worship of Saint Nguyen, the Cao Son deity, and the Upper Forest Goddess, the festival embodies a blend of natural worship, Buddhist beliefs, Mother Goddess worship, and Confucianism.
The festival is held to honor the heroes who contributed to the homeland and the nation. It is also an occasion for tourists from all regions to visit, enjoy the spring atmosphere, tour the pagoda, offer incense, and pray for national peace, prosperity, and family well-being.
