Many exciting activities at Ba Thu Bon Festival

Scene of Ba Thu Bon Festival (Photo: internet)

Legend has it that, long ago, a wealthy family gave birth to a daughter, but from birth, the little girl was as beautiful as an angel, only smiling and not crying, with waist-length hair, white teeth, and a skin as pale as frost. At the age of 5-7, she had the innate ability and interest in using herbs to save people; growing up, she ignored all marriage proposals. At the age of 50, she passed away at noon on the 12th of the 2nd lunar month. The villagers followed her last wish not to use cloth to shroud her, but only used herbs. The coffin was kept in the communal house all week, and the villagers were present to burn incense.

After 7 nights, the place was filled with a sweet fragrance and suddenly, the coffin lid of Lady Thu Bon of Quang opened, inside there was nothing but frangipani flowers. The villagers respectfully built a mausoleum and solemnly worshiped her at her palace.

According to researcher Tran Dinh Hang, there is also a legend that she was born into a noble family, the daughter/female general of the Cham king or King Le Thanh Tong. During a tense battle, her army was defeated and had to retreat. Passing by Thu Bon/Phuong Ranh village, her long hair got caught in a tree, causing her to fall off her horse and die, a manifestation of her spirit. Phuong Ranh is her birthplace and also the place where she died in battle. The water carried her to the river wharf of Thu Bon village.

This year, in Trung Phuoc town (Nong Son district), there will be many activities such as:

1/ Ceremony to worship the spirits, ancestors and seniors: 9:30 to 11:30, March 20 (February 11 of the lunar calendar).

2/ Festival opening: 7:40 p.m. March 19 (February 10, lunar calendar).

3/ Royal procession: From 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., March 20 (February 11 of the lunar calendar).

4/ Water procession ceremony: 3:30 p.m., March 20 (February 11 of the lunar calendar).

5/ Releasing flower lanterns: 6:30 p.m., March 20 (February 11 of the lunar calendar).

6/ Sacred fire lighting program: 7:30 p.m., March 20 (February 11 of the lunar calendar).

7/ Regular ancestor worship ceremony: 10pm on March 20 (February 11 of the lunar calendar.

8/ Lady worship ceremony: From 9:00 to 14:30 on March 21 (February 12 of the lunar calendar).

The festival includes boat racing, performing arts, singing Bai Choi, folk games, chess, athletics...

In Duy Tan commune (Duy Xuyen), many activities were also held that were carefully and richly prepared.

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