Thousands flock to Lý Kings festival

A traditional Do Temple Festival annually celebrated on the 14th to the 16th days of the third lunar month to commemorate the coronation of Ly Cong Uan and to pay homage to kings of the Ly Dynasty, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

Located in Dinh Bang Ward in Tu Son Town of Bac Ninh Province, about 20 kilometers from Hanoi, Do Temple or Ly Bat De Temple honoring the eight kings of the Ly Dynasty (1009 – 1225) in Vietnamese history has an important role in the spiritual life of Vietnamese.

According to “Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu”, a famous book about Vietnamese history written by many generations of Vietnamese historians during the feudal time, Do Temple was built in 1019 by the first king of the Ly Dynasty, Ly Cong Uan or Ly Thai To and was enlarged by his son Ly Thai Tong in 1030. The temple was used by Ly Thai To to meet the people to ask about their opinions on plans to safeguard the country.

Since then the temple has been altered several times. The major reconstruction took place under the reign of Le Trung Hung, in the 17th century. In 1952, the temple was destroyed by the war and was restored in 1989 as original temple based on old documents.

“The traditions of the Đô Temple Festival… are an essential part of Đình Bảng Village’s spiritual and cultural life. Villagers welcome guests from all over the country to the three days of the solemn rituals and joyful celebration.”

“The most important ritual, held on the first day of the festival, is the procession of the eight wooden tablets – each inscribed with the Chinese characters naming one of the Lý kings and praising his merits – from Đô Temple to Cổ Pháp Pagoda. There, monks recite prayers.”

“On the second day, the crowd … forms a procession several miles long to return the tablets to the Đô Temple. At midday, village elders light incense to honour the kings. The master of ceremonies reads King Lý [Thái Tổ’s] ‘Royal Edict’ ordering the transfer of the capital [from Hoa Lư to Thăng Long].”

Here some photos of the procession:

Thousands participate in the procession

The procession is the most expected part of villagers and visitors

Lion dance

"Quan đám"

Monks recite prayers

Ly Hoa Son family, descendants of the Ly dynasty

Ly Hoa Son family, descendants of the Ly dynasty

Offering incense to the kings of Ly dynasty

The master of ceremonies reads King Lý Thái Tổ’s‘Royal Edict’ ordering the transfer of the capital from Hoa Lư to Thăng Long

Ha Thuong