Va Temple Festival Location in Van Gia Hamlet, Trung Hung Commune, Son Tay district. Va Temple Festival in Va Temple include the spring festival is on the 15th day of the first lunar month and the Autumn festival is on the 15th day of the ninth lunar month.
Photo by Tieu ngao giang ho1970 |
The festival begins on the 14th of the ninth lunar month. On that day, the inhabitants of Van Gia, Nghia Phu, Thanh Tri, Mai Trai, Dam Trai Hamlets gather at the Tich River (the section from Thuong Cau Vang to Ha Ma Mang) to catch fish. Those who catch white, big fish have to hand in the village to present the Mountain Genie, and bring home the small ones. The fish catching game ends when they have enough 99 big fish. This festival is known as da ngu (catching fish).
In the morning of 15th January, the main festival includes entertainments and welcomes pilgrim coming to Den Va and taking part in the incense-offering ceremony. The wrestling is warmly welcomed and held for prize award. Autumn festival (15th September lunar calendar) is annually held by villages: Van Gia, Nghia Phu, Thanh Tri, Mai Trai, Dam Trai. They join in hands to catch fish in Tich river. For those who catch big white fish, they will devote to the village and if the fish is small, they will bring it at their home. The fish catching takes place until enough 99 fish, then organize a fish party to worship the Saint Tan at Den Va. Residents here show their sincere praying under the majesty of Saint Tan. According to a traditional ritual, the rice and other eatable offerings are not seasoned with sal