Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival 2026

Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival in Hanoi takes place on the 6th day of the third lunar month each year. It features ceremonies and festivities rich in traditional culture. Each year, this traditional festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to pay their respects and admire the celebrations.

Origin and meaning of Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival

The Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival is a traditional event held annually in Tay Phuong Commune, Hanoi. It is a meaningful occasion for the local community to express their devotion to the Buddhas and to pray for national peace and family well-being.

The origin of this festival in Vietnam

The Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival originated from Buddhist beliefs and the long-standing worship traditions of the people in Thach That, Hanoi. Tay Phuong Pagoda, located atop Cau Lau Mountain about 40 kilometers west of central Hanoi, is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. It was originally built during the Mac dynasty (16th century) and restored during the Le Trung Hung period (18th century). The pagoda features a unique architectural style with three temple sections situated on ascending levels: the Lower, Middle, and Upper temples. The festival emerged from the local community’s close ties to Tay Phuong Pagoda and the deep influence of Buddhism, becoming a vital part of the region’s cultural and spiritual life.

The year’s festival offers both a chance for pilgrimage and a meaningful effort to preserve national cultural heritage

Key historical milestones of Tay Phuong Pagoda

Tay Phuong Pagoda is the only temple that has preserved a system of Buddha statues, which are masterpieces of ancient Vietnamese sculpture. With its architectural, historical, and religious values, the pagoda has been honored with recognition:

• In 1962, Tay Phuong Pagoda was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Historical and Cultural Site
• In 2014, it was upgraded to the status of Special National Heritage Site
• In 2015, the collection of Buddhist statues from the Tay Son period (late 18th century) at the pagoda was recognized by the Prime Minister as National Treasures
• In 2022, the Hanoi People's Committee officially designated the Special National Heritage Site of Tay Phuong Pagoda as a city - level tourism destination
• On February 19, 2025, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 324 recognizing the Tay Phuong Pagoda traditional festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Leaders extend their congratulations at the opening ceremony of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival

Cultural importance of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival

The Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival is a significant cultural and spiritual event, offering locals and visitors a chance to experience the richness of national heritage. It is a time for people to show their reverence to the Buddha, honor their ancestors, and pray for national peace and family prosperity. The event helps awaken pride in traditional culture while preserving and promoting the essence of Vietnamese history, architecture, sculpture, and religious art.

In addition, the festival plays a vital role in safeguarding and enhancing traditional cultural values through sacred rituals, folk games, and traditional performances. With innovations in organization and the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, the festival promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors. It further affirms Tay Phuong Pagoda's status as one of Hanoi’s most treasured spiritual and cultural landmarks.

Festival program

The festival consists of two main parts: the ceremonial aspect, which is rich in the cultural and religious traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism. The festive activities combine unique traditional cultural elements with the beauty of nature and the sky through various events.

The ceremonial rites

The ceremonial part of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival is solemn and sacred, conducted according to traditional Buddhist rituals. It begins with incense offering, prayers to the Buddha, and wishes for national peace, bountiful harvests, and family well-being. A highlight of this part is the palankeen procession from the foot of Cau Lau Mountain to the pagoda, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the people and the sacred site. The ceremonies also include releasing birds and fish, embodying compassion and the hope for peace and freedom.

The Water Procession is a sacred and ancient ritual that reflects the unique cultural identity of the Thach That region. Beyond the purpose of collecting water for worship and for bathing the Buddha, the ritual also expresses a wish for the growth and prosperity of nature, all living things, and humanity.

These sacred rites demonstrate reverence for the Buddha and reflect the community’s deep spiritual beliefs and noble aspirations. In recent years, traditional rituals have been preserved and revitalized with the active participation of younger generations, guided by elders and monks. This intergenerational continuity helps promote cultural values, strengthen collective identity, and sustain the flow of national heritage.

The ceremonial part features offering rituals and worship of the Buddha

The festive activities

The festive part of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival offers a vibrant cultural space. It includes a wide range of engaging activities, featuring many traditional folk games of ethnic communities in Thach That District. Traditional water puppet performances are also held, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s folk art.

Folk games such as throwing cloth balls, walking on stilts, and swinging draw large crowds of both locals and tourists, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. Especially notable are the Central Highlands gong performances and traditional wrestling exchanges, which add diversity and richness to the event. These activities contribute to the preservation and promotion of Vietnam’s traditional cultural values.

In addition, the exhibition and sales area showcasing traditional handicraft products from Thach That is another highlight that attracts visitors. Participants can enjoy local specialties such as sticky rice candy from Thach Xa Commune, mung bean paste dessert, and peanut candy from Dai Dong Commune. They can also admire handicrafts from local villages, including traditional-style wooden houses from Chang Son and Huong Ngai, and fine woodwork from Canh Nau. Other highlights include metal products from Phung Xa, bamboo and rattan crafts from Binh Phu, and bamboo dragonflies from Thach Xa. These exquisite handmade products make meaningful souvenirs for visitors to take home as a reminder of their cultural journey.

The festive part takes place throughout the day with various traditional folk games.

The Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the sacred atmosphere of one of Hanoi’s most revered spiritual sites. With a blend of solemn Buddhist rituals and vibrant folk festivities, the event showcases Vietnam’s rich heritage in architecture, sculpture, and traditional arts. Begin planning your Vietnam trip today and experience the spiritual charm and cultural vibrancy of this timeless festival in Thach That, Hanoi.