Bustling Lam Chay Festival

1. As a part of the 2025 Lam Chay Festival, on the morning of February 12, the delegation of Chau Thanh district leaders led by the Standing Deputy Secretary of the District Party Committee, Chairman of the Chau Thanh District People's Council - Nguyen Van Khai, together with the Organizing Committee of the festival, visited the tomb of patriotic soldier Do Tuong Phong. He was one of the typical leaders of the armed uprising movement against French colonialism in the second half of the 19th century. With a steadfast spirit of patriotism, he and the patriots devoted their lives to the cause of protecting the homeland and maintaining national independence.

Many activities such as inviting Tieu Dien Dai Si, inviting Buddha, etc took place within the framework of this year festival

After the ceremony, there was a ritual to invite Tieu Dien Dai Si from Linh Phuoc Pagoda to Linh Vo Pagoda. Mr. Tieu, or Tieu Dien Dai Si, is an incarnation of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, revered by the people as the god who subdues wandering souls and saves all living beings. The paper statue of Mr. Tieu was elaborately prepared for many months before the festival, and after completion, it was placed at Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

When the festival officially took place, Tieu Dien Dai Si was invited by the procession with all the lions, flags, umbrellas, etc. from Ong Pagoda to the platform at Tan Xuan Communal House. Here, the worship rituals continued to take place after the groups returned, to pray for the souls of heroic martyrs, fallen soldiers, etc.

Ms. Nguyen Hong Ngoc (Binh Quoi Commune, Chau Thanh District) shared: “This is the third year I have participated in the Lam Chay Festival, and every time I eagerly look forward to the rituals. Not only is it solemnly organized, the festival also has a special spiritual imprint. Not only me, my friends are also very interested in this festival - a second Tet for Chau Thanh people”.

The "Traditional Cake Wrapping and Cooking" contest, organized by the Women's Union of Chau Thanh district in coordination with the Party Committee of Tam Vu town, took place within the framework of the 2025 Lam Chay Festival at Duong Thi Hoa street, Ward 2, Tam Vu town, Chau Thanh district.

Not only is it a playground to honor the art of traditional cake making, the contest also gives people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the space of the old Tet holiday, where the aroma of new sticky rice, dong leaves, and banana leaves evoke memories of reunion. Through each meticulously wrapped cake, the event contributes to preserving the beauty of national culture, arousing pride in the identity of the homeland. This year's contest brings together 13 communes and towns to participate, promising a bustling festival full of traditional colors.

2. Lion dance is an art form loved by people, symbolizing extraordinary power, bringing prosperity and success in both work and life. At exactly 2 p.m., the festival atmosphere at Tan Xuan Communal House became even more exciting with an impressive lion dance performance.

After the opening ceremony on the afternoon of January 15, visitors from all over the country began to flock to Tam Vu town to participate in the festival. On the night of 15 of the 1st lunar month, the streets were crowded, shops were bustling, and the Tan Xuan Communal House area was always packed with people coming and going to burn incense and worship the gods. All the streets in Tam Vu town were brightly lit; the offerings and altars in the communes and towns were also completed.

Calligraphy activity at the festival

The calligraphy activity, undertaken by the Chau Thanh District Calligraphy Club, takes place from14-16 at Tan Xuan communal house.

It is known that the club was just established in 2024, so this is the first year the club has organized calligraphy activity for festival participants. People can also receive pre-written letters or ask the calligraphers to wirte letters according to their wishes.

Nguyen Thi Yen Trang (Duong Xuan Hoi commune, Chau Thanh district) said: "Coming here, I can immerse myself in the bustling, joyful atmosphere of the festival, watch lion dance performances, receive calligraphy letters, etc. This is also an opportunity for me to express my gratitude to the contributions of patriotic scholars, heroic martyrs who sacrificed for national independence as well as the predecessors and descendants who have contributed to the exploration and construction of this land".

The Lam Chay Festival also has many activities: Visiting the martyrs' tombstones, visiting the patriot Do Tuong Tu's tomb, etc

The Lam Chay Festival also has many other activities: Visiting the martyrs' tombstones, visiting the patriot Do Tuong Tu's tomb, inviting Buddhas, opening sutras and the altar, parading flower cars around Tam Vu town and some communes in Chau Thanh district, welcoming the Cao Dai delegation to worship martyrs, etc.

In particular, the Lam Chay Festival also has the activity of serving free foods and drinks to festival participants. This is one of the beautiful features of the festival.

A large number of people and tourists enjoy free vegetarian food at the festival

"Every year, the festival grows bigger and bigger. Whenever I have time, I always join in the activities. This is considered the New Year's of our hometown Chau Thanh", Ms. Nguyen Pha Ka (Hiep Thanh commune, Chau Thanh district) shared.

At exactly 8 p.m., the festival atmosphere at Tan Xuan communal house became even more exciting as locals and tourists flocked to enjoy the special art program. At the same time, in a solemn atmosphere, the Martyrs' Mourning Ceremony was held, expressing the community's respect.

Tan Xuan communal house is associated with the Lam Chay Festival, which has a strong community culture and combines elements of religion, ethnicity, and folk beliefs. In 2014, Tan Xuan communal house was recognized as a National Historical Relic and the Lam Chay Festival was included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage. That is the joy and pride of Tam Vu people in particular, Chau Thanh and Long An people in general./.

By Staffs - Translated by Q. Thien

Source: https://baolongan.vn/nao-nhiet-le-hoi-lam-chay-a190343.html