March is the death anniversary of Mother Tien La.

During the third lunar month, the people of Hung Ha district in particular and tourists from all over the world in general are heading to the ancient land of Da Cuong, where the Dong Nhung General Vu Thi Thuc is worshiped - a national heroine who saved the country and people from the domination of the Eastern Han army. Proud of its long history, to this day, the people of the district still pass on the song "If you are a child of your mother, a child of your father/ In the third lunar month, when the death anniversary of Mau Tien La comes, then come back".

Unique ritual of carrying the Holy Mother at Tien La festival.

Tien La Temple is the place to worship Dong Nhung Dai Tuong Quan Vu Thi Thuc - a female general under the Hai Ba Trung dynasty. The glorious feats of Dong Nhung Dai Tuong Quan have been recorded in history books and forever honored, praised and worshiped by generations of Vietnamese people... Dong Nhung Dai Tuong Quan Vu Thi Thuc Temple is located on both banks of Tien Hung River with majestic and splendid architecture, gradually worthy of the great contributions of the national heroine, becoming one of the cultural and spiritual tourism highlights of the district.

Mr. Dang Vu Tran Nha, the head of Tien La Temple, said: Tien La Temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1986. The temple is located on an area of nearly 3 hectares in the ancient architecture of "Tien Nhat - Hau Dinh". The front of the temple faces Tien Hung River, the two-storey gate stands majestically, outside the gate there are many stone horse statues, stone elephants, stone female soldiers, people drawing swords, people holding sword hilts standing majestically as if recalling the heroic period a thousand years ago. There are also large inscriptions praising the Trung Vuong dynasty and the virtues, talents and beauty of the female general and many valuable sacrificial objects of high aesthetic value, dating from the Le Dynasty. After many restorations, Tien La Temple is now large in scale, unique in both location and shape. On the occasion of the beginning of the new year and the opening of the Tien La Temple festival, thousands of people and tourists come here to burn incense and visit the scenery.

With a history of about 2,000 years, Tien La Temple is one of the few temples with the most massive stone architecture in the Red River Delta. The uniqueness of the architectural art and the mysterious sacred land of Kim Quy hill, where the temple is located, has created a strong attraction, converging the humanistic values in the Mother Goddess worship of the Vietnamese people.

According to traditional customs, every year, the 10th day of the third lunar month is the opening day and the organization of Tien La festival. This is an opportunity for Hung Ha people, compatriots, and domestic and foreign tourists to come here to burn incense and pay tribute to the national heroine.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Minh, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: Every year, when the Mother Goddess's death anniversary is approaching, my family returns to our hometown to burn incense and pray for everyone's health. Every time we return to Tien La Temple, we are very impressed with the hospitality of the local people and admire the spiritual and architectural values of the temple. In particular, when learning about the long-standing cultural values of our nation, I am even more proud and love my homeland and country more.

This year's Tien La Festival has the theme: "Tien La Holy Relic" to describe the life and career of Dong Nhung General Vu Thi Thuc. Notably, this year's Tien La Festival does not organize a water procession but focuses on organizing festival parts such as: rice cake pounding contest, festival of rowing clubs; phoenix wing betel making; sea flags, clay cannons, singing festival, tug of war...

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Tien La village said: From young people, middle-aged people to the elderly, everyone is excited and eager to participate in the festival. This year, I continue to participate in the rituals and the contest of pounding rice cakes and making betel leaves with the desire to offer the Mother Goddess the best and most meaningful items.

Mr. Nguyen Van Mai, Vice Chairman of Doan Hung Commune People's Committee, said: On April 15, 2016, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism included Tien La festival in the list of national intangible cultural heritage. This is an important highlight, a great source of encouragement for us to continue to strive, preserve and promote the value of the Dong Nhung Dai Tuong Quan relic complex for future generations. With a series of rich activities, harmoniously combining tradition and modernity, demonstrating the unique cultural features of Long Hung, Hung Ha, in 2024, Tien La festival will take place from April 18 to 22. Maintaining the organization of the festival aims to demonstrate the morality of "When drinking water, remember its source", to remember and show gratitude for the great contributions of Dong Nhung Dai Tuong Quan; at the same time, contributing to promoting the potential and strengths of tourism development in Thai Binh province.

Throughout history, time has not blurred the people's belief in Mother Tien La. With its historical value and unique architecture, Tien La Temple is a meaningful spiritual and cultural tourist destination, contributing to promoting the beauty of Hung Ha district in particular and Thai Binh province in general to a large number of tourists from all over the world. At the same time, through that, it educates the younger generation about patriotism and pride in the heroic and indomitable tradition of fighting against foreign invaders of the heroic Vietnamese people.