The Bell Tower in Bai Dinh pagoda

(VOVworld) - The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival opened in Ninh Binh province on February 13, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, with the participation of thousands of pilgrims. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc beat the ceremonial drum to open the festival, which will last throughout spring. Head monk of Bai Dinh pagoda, Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang said going to pagodas on first days of the new Lunar Year is a nice spiritual tradition of Vietnamese people to pray Buddha for a year full of happiness, peace, and favorable weather: "This year’s festival covers many festivities including a palanquin procession to the ancient pagoda, photo exhibitions, and sight-seeing tours for visitors to travel around the peach garden in the complex to contemplate the beautiful scenery here."

Thousands of visitors flocked to the Perfume pagoda festival which also opened on Saturday, February 13^th. The festival is expected to welcome more than 1.5 million visitors this year. The festival organizers have arranged 4000 boats for festival goers.

An art performance was held in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, or the fifth day of the lunar New year to mark the 227^th anniversary of Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory over the Chinese Qing invaders. Nguyen Van Tho lives in HCM City: "This program is very interesting and of great importance to educate the younger generations of Vietnam’s tradition to protect national sovereignty against the invaders. It is expected to help the youngsters better acknowledge the importance of defending national sea and island sovereignty."

A boat racing opened in Ly Son island district, Quang Nam province, on Thursday or the 4^th day of the new Lunar Year, to pray for tribute to the ancestors and pray for national peace and prosperity. The racing will last until Monday.