Preserving and promoting the value of the heritage of practicing Mother Goddess worship in life

Artists perform bronze drums. (Photo: Dong Thuy/VNA)

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On the evening of February 10, at the Ha Temple relic, Suoi Mo Eco-tourism Area, Nghia Phuong Commune, Luc Nam District (Bac Giang), the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Giang province coordinated with the People's Committee of Luc Nam District to organize the 6th expanded "Practice of the Vietnamese Mother Goddess Worship Belief in the Three Palaces" Festival in Bac Giang province in 2025.

The festival is an activity that contributes to preserving and promoting the traditional musical values of the heritage of practicing the Mother Goddess Worship of the Vietnamese people in contemporary life. At the same time, it is an opportunity for those practicing the heritage to meet, exchange and learn from experiences.

In his opening speech, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Giang province, Truong Quang Hai, Head of the Festival Organizing Committee, said that for generations, Bac Giang has been one of the localities possessing the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese Mother Goddess Worship Practice, which has been cared for, preserved and promoted in community life by generations of artisans.

On December 1, 2016, the Vietnamese practice of worshipping the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is an honor and pride for the people of the whole country in general and the people of Bac Giang province in particular, but also places a great responsibility on all levels, sectors and heritage communities in preserving and promoting the internationally recognized heritage.

Artists perform bronze drums. (Photo: Dong Thuy/VNA)

Held every two years, from 2015 to 2023, Bac Giang province has organized the Hat Van and Hat Chau Van Festival five times. This is an event that attracts the attention and enthusiastic response of many people who love "Practicing the worship of the Mother Goddess of the Three Realms of the Vietnamese people."

Pursuant to Decree No. 39/2024/ND-CP dated April 16, 2024 of the Government stipulating measures to manage, protect and promote the value of intangible cultural heritage in UNESCO lists and the list of national intangible cultural heritage, the 2025 expanded Festival "Practicing the Vietnamese Mother Goddess Worship" in Bac Giang province complies with the following principles: Ensuring the preservation of heritage values with forms of expression, knowledge, skills, techniques and practice spaces; not disseminating and practicing incorrect heritage content; not taking advantage of heritage practices and heritage titles for personal gain or committing illegal acts and activities...

The festival was attended by 17 artisans (bronze) from the provinces of Nam Dinh, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Lang Son, Bac Giang (including 5 Meritorious Artisans). Each artisan performed 2-3 rituals praising the gods, the Holy Mother and heroes who have contributed to the nation.

In a solemn setting, with elaborate preparations, the artisans participating in the Festival brought bronze statues performed according to traditional rituals, imbued with national cultural identity, unique, attractive, impressive, attracting a large number of viewers such as bronze statues: Quan Hoang Muoi, Co Be Thuong Ngan, Quan Lon De Tam (or Quan Lon Tuan Tranh), Chau Luc statue...