As many as 7,000 lanterns were released onto the Luc Dau river to commemorate the Tran dynasty soldiers and those who sacrificed their lives in the wars against the Mongol invaders.
On the evening of October 13, along the Luc Dau river dyke in front of Kiep Bac temple in Tran Hung Dao ward, Hai Phong city, the Organizing Committee of the Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival held a peace-praying ceremony and a lantern festival, one of the most distinctive and spiritually rich rituals of the traditional festival at Kiep Bac templeThe entire riverbank glows brilliantly in the shimmering light. On the dyke, thousands of lanterns are arranged to form the phrase “Lantern Festival – Peace and Prosperity for the Nation,” radiating a mystical glow by the flowing waterIn 2007, the lantern festival was revived on a grand scale at Van Kiep wharf, on the historic Luc Dau riverThe Kiep Bac Lantern Festival commemorates national heroes and martyrs who sacrificed for the country throughout the ages, especially the Tran dynasty soldiers and those who fell in battles against the Mongol invaders on the Luc Dau river. It also conveys prayers for peace, prosperity, favorable weather, and abundant harvestsAt the center of the ceremonial platform stands a nine-tiered tower adorned with intricate patterns, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth, yin and yang, and the harmony of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The nine interwoven levels create the image of a magnificent crystal tower shining in the night. From the tower extend pink and white threads reaching the river, symbolizing the “path of transcendence”The peace-praying ceremony and lantern festival reflect the Vietnamese spiritual belief in the harmony of yin and yangThe ritual begins in solemn silenceThe peace-praying ceremony comprises three parts: the opening rite, the main scripture recital, and the dedicatory offeringParticipants fold their hands in reverence toward the altar, sending their faith and prayers for peaceAfterward, monks conduct a fish-releasing ritual on the Luc Dau riverLanterns are gently set afloat, carrying wishes of peace, happiness, gratitude, and pride along the river’s flowAbove, fireworks and sky lanterns illuminate the entire Van Kiep areaFireworks and sky lanterns blend with the temple bell chimes, creating a sacred, mesmerizing sceneOn the river below, boats laden with glowing lanterns drift toward Con Kiem, a sword-shaped strip of land associated with Saint Tran. As the lights converge, the river seems to ignite into a “flaming sword”
