Lam Chay Festival ends with destroying the altar and burning Mr. Tieu statue rituals

Mr. Tieu statue is placed in the middle of the communal house yard, preparing for the ritual

The altar destroying ritual is the most important in the Lam Chay Festival, meaning to send off wandering souls. After this ritual, the Mr. Tieu statue and votive paper are burned. A paper boat with a bamboo frame placed on a banana raft is prepared as a means of sending off guests. On the boat are offerings and after the farewell drum, the boat is released to drift along the Tam Vu River. After the ritual, the group returns to the communal house to bring the incense burner to Am Nhon Temple.

The altar destroying and Mr. Tieu burning rituals are the most prominent activities, attracting the most participants of the Lam Chay Festival

Ms. Phan Thi Tuong Van (Duong Xuan Hoi commune, Chau Thanh district, Long An province) shared: “Every year I participate in the Lam Chay Festival, but usually return early. This year is the first time I stayed until midnight to watch the ritual of burning Mr. Tieu statue and wish for luck. I wish my family members good health, a peaceful new year for everyone across the country, luck and success in their work."

The ritual of transfering sutras takes place in the evening

Before that, at 6 p.m., the ritual of requesting and transfering sutras with the participation of many people took place. This was a performance with the content of the monk and his disciples obeying the Tang king's order to go to the West to request sutras. The ritual of holding a ceremony to worship the Buddha took place at 8:30 p.m., followed by the ritual of releasing lanterns to seek enlightenment and liberation for all living beings. The lantern boat was elaborately decorated from the days of preparing for the festival, with an altar with a memorial tablet and a tray of offerings on it.

Security forces support the distribution of offerings before destroying the altar to ensure security and order, avoiding jostling and pushing

Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014, the Lam Chay Festival not only demonstrates the harmony between cultures, religions and beliefs but also contributes to preserving traditional values, honoring local identity. This is also an opportunity for people to express the spirit of "When drinking water, remember the source", paying tribute to the ancestors who pioneered the land as well as remembering heroes and martyrs through the ages.

People participate in the Lam Chay Festival

After 3 days of excitement (from 14 to 16 on the 1st lunar month), the Lam Chay Festival 2025 ended in joy and hope for a year of peace, prosperity, and success for the people of Chau Thanh district and visitors from all over the country./.

By Staffs - Translated by Q. Thien

Source: https://baolongan.vn/le-hoi-lam-chay-ket-thuc-voi-nghi-thuc-xo-gian-dot-ong-tieu-a190410.html