Festival commemorating 488th anniversary of the death of Scholar Le Ich Moc
The festival commemorating the 488th anniversary of the death of Scholar Le Ich Moc is held to remember and honor his contributions as an outstanding scholar of Hai Phong.
From April 1 to 5, the People’s Committee of Le Ich Moc Ward organized the festival commemorating the 488th anniversary of the death of Scholar Le Ich Moc (1538–2026).
Accordingly, ceremonial and festive activities are held at the Le Ich Moc Memorial Site. The festival section features a variety of cultural, artistic, sports, and culinary activities attracting local residents and visitors. During the festival, the locality also arranges free parking areas to create the best conditions for residents and visitors attending the event.
According to historical records, Le Ich Moc was born in 1458 in Thanh Lang Commune, Thuy Duong District, Kinh Mon Prefecture, Hai Duong region (in the past), which is now Le Ich Moc Ward, Hai Phong City. From a young age, he was known for his intelligence, diligence in learning, and good character, earning the affection of local people. Every day, after helping his parents with household work, he went to Dien Phuc Pagoda in the village to study.
It is said that he would pour sand onto a tray, smooth it out, and use his finger to write characters on the sand in order to remember them better and understand them more thoroughly. After three years, he had mastered the teachings of the Diamond Sutra and continued to gain deep knowledge of many other Buddhist doctrines.
In the spring of 1502, during the reign of King Le Hien Tong, the royal court held the imperial examination. In that examination, Le Ich Moc achieved the highest academic distinction. In 1993, the Le Ich Moc Memorial Site was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Historical and Cultural Relic.
To honor and preserve the site associated with the life of Scholar Le Ich Moc, local authorities have, over the years, restored and renovated the memorial complex, revived the ironwood forest once cultivated by him, and added the worship of 17 distinguished scholars from the former Thuy Nguyen District.
As a result, the site has become a sacred architectural complex rich in historical value, as well as an attractive cultural and tourism destination, contributing to the promotion of the local tradition of respect for learning and scholarly excellence.
Bui Huong