Vietnamese people living inside and outside the country gather here to reconnect with their identity, honor their roots, and deepen their national pride. From early morning, pilgrims formed a long line stretching from the foot of Nghia Linh mountain up to the Upper Temple, where the Hung Kings-founders of the first Vietnamese state, Van Lang, are honored.
Although the main day of the festival falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month, many people have come early to find quiet moments for reflection and gratitude. No matter their age or where they’re from, all share the same sense of respect as they turn toward their ancestors.
Some have come from nearby provinces, others have traveled long distances, from the central region, the far southern region or the northern mountain, all gathering here ahead of the commemoration, united in remembrance.
“We left home at midnight and arrived here at 5 AM. Even though we were tired, as soon as we got here, all are very excited and tiredness disappeared.”
“My family left home at about 4 AM. When we arrived, there were already many people waiting to go up the mountain. We are excited, eager to burn incense and offer prayers to the Hung Kings.”
“We came all the way from Hue, returning to our ancestral land. We’re proud to be here and to pay tribute to the Hung Kings.”
Amid the sacred atmosphere of the ancestral land, a sense of national pride seems to grow stronger in every Vietnamese heart. The Hung Temple, a historical relic site, has become a powerful spiritual symbol. At this special national relic site, the festival atmosphere is solemn and respectful through traditional rituals and diverse cultural traditions.
Vietnamese believe that they are children of legendary Mother Au Co. This legend has long nurtured a deep sense of national pride, brotherhood, and unity among the people. No matter where they are, millions of hearts still turn toward the sacred land of Nghia Linh.
“This is my first time attending the festival. Seeing such a large crowd, I feel that Vietnamese people have a very strong sense of gratitude.”
“Looking at everyone here, their eyes, their smiles, no matter their ethnicity, it feels like we’re all part of one big family, very connected.”
That enduring sense of community has turned the words "compatriots" into a powerful source of inner strength for the nation. In this sacred space, the journey back to the ancestral roots is not only a moment for each Vietnamese person to reflect on the past, but also a way to find a firm spiritual anchor.
Among the crowds are also overseas Vietnamese from all over the world. For them, the journey over nearly 500 stone steps to Kính Thiên Palace at the summit of Nghĩa Lĩnh mountain is a deeply meaningful and sacred experience.
“I feel very fortunate to be here at Kinh Thien Palace and to offer incense. It’s a deeply sacred moment, especially for overseas Vietnamese like us.”
“It is a great honor to be here, offering incense to the Hung Kings and remembering their contributions to founding the nation.”
The Hung Kings Commemoration Day is not only a time to remember the past, but also a moment for every Vietnamese person to reflect on their responsibility to safeguard the nation and strive for a strong and prosperous future. As the saying goes, "People have ancestors, just as trees have roots and rivers have sources," this sacred journey of gratitude has become a beautiful cultural tradition of “Drinking water, remember its source”.
