Thousands of people jostle to join the procession at Ba Binh Duong Pagoda

On the afternoon of February 24 (the 15th day of the first lunar month), thousands of people participated in the procession of the Ba Binh Duong Pagoda. The highlight was the procession of the statue and the palanquin of Thien Hau Thanh Mau from the pagoda around the streets. - Photo: PHUONG QUYEN

Every year, Thien Hau Pagoda organizes the procession festival, starting on the 14th day of the first lunar month and holding the main ceremony on the afternoon of the 15th. This is the biggest festival in Binh Duong with tens of thousands of pilgrims coming from all neighboring provinces.

Although the main ceremony does not take place until 3pm, many people gathered very early despite the hot weather.

According to Tuoi Tre Online , thousands of people followed the Lady's palanquin starting from Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, along with dozens of lion and dragon dance troupes passing through the central streets of Thu Dau Mot City such as Yersin - Roundabout - Tran Hung Dao - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Bach Dang - Doan Tran Nghiep - Hung Vuong - Cach Mang Thang Tam - Nguyen Du.

On each stretch of road the palanquin passes, thousands of people stand on both sides of the road, setting out tables, incense and flowers to welcome and pray for a peaceful new year.

The organizers have increased the number of mobile police and traffic police to maintain order, but due to the large number of people, sometimes there is still jostling and pushing.

However, many people feel satisfied when participating in a unique festival along with being served free food and drinks.

"This festival is the pride of Binh Duong people. Every year, on the full moon day of the first lunar month, my family will go to the pagoda and wait on both sides of the road to receive blessings when the Lady's palanquin passes by. Ms. Vo Thi Hoa (55 years old) shared.

Bustling atmosphere of the procession festival at Ba Binh Duong pagoda on the afternoon of the full moon day of the first lunar month:

This year, each person is only allowed to bring one incense stick when visiting the temple to ensure safety and fire prevention - Photo: PHUONG QUYEN

People bring bags of ashes from incense burners to bring home to pray for good luck for their families - Photo: PHUONG QUYEN

After about an hour of ceremony, at exactly 4pm, the palanquin started to depart from Thien Hau Pagoda - Photo: PHUONG QUYEN

Girls transformed into young women moving in groups - Photo: PHUONG QUYEN

Despite the hot weather, people still stood crowded on both sides of the road waiting for the Lady's palanquin - Photo: PHUONG QUYEN

Girls dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, transformed into fairies and goddesses, dance together - Photo: PHUONG QUYEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hang-ngan-nguoi-chen-nhau-tham-gia-le-ruoc-kieu-chua-ba-binh-duong-20240224193110192.htm