Vibrant Cay Temple - Pagoda Festival
The traditional Cay Temple – Pagoda festival in Binh Giang Commune is held to commemorate Saint Bao Phuc Dai Vuong, a general from the reign of the 18th Hung King.
Festival space rich in traditional identity
On the afternoon of March 29 (Lunar February 11), the Cay Temple -Pagoda festival was inaugurated by the Binh Giang Commune People's Committee, attracting a large number of local residents, expatriates, and visitors . The event lasts six days, from March 29 to April 3 (Lunar February 11 to 16), with the main three days from lunar February 11 to 13 featuring many rituals and activities.
Cay Temple is the place to worship Saint Bao Phuc Dai Vuong. According to legends, he was originally named Phuc Cong, born into a family of herbal healers. From childhood, he was known for his intelligence. When the nation faced invasion by aggressors, he joined generals like Saint Tan Vien in leading troops. In fierce battles at Soc Son, he broke the siege, contributing to a glorious victory.
Upon peace, he was granted estates in Hai Duong Province. After his death, he was bestowed the title Bao Phuc Dai Vuong and venerated as the village guardian deity at Cay Temple, while his parents are worshipped at Vinh Bao Pagoda (also called Cay Pagoda).
To commemorate his great contributions, locals hold two annual festivals in the Lunar February and September. The Lunar February event marks his birthday and is the main festival, attracting a large number of people and tourists.
One preserved traditional rite is the ‘Mr. pig procession’. Preparations begin months in advance; the ritual pig, weighing at least 50 kg, is selected carefully, purchased, and isolated for at least a month before offering to the village deity.
Preserving and promoting cultural values
Alongside solemn rites, festive activities buzz with energy, featuring folk games like tug-of-war, pot-smashing, Chinese chess, and sticky rice cake cooking contests.
After the administrative merger, this year's festival scales up, hosting about 5,000 locals and visitors, up 15% to previous year.
Once interrupted, the festival was revived in 1994 when Cay Temple was designated a national relic site and has continued annually. Organization has improved, blending ancient rites with modern elements.
The festival is not merely sites for religious practices but also a vibrant community cultural space, where traditional values are preserved, passed down, and shared widely.
Hai Phong News