Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival in Chau Doc: Dates, Events, and Activities

The Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival is one of Vietnam's most cherished cultural and spiritual events. Taking place annually at the base of Sam Mountain in Chau Doc, An Giang Province, this festival is a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of the Vietnamese people.

Every year, from the 22nd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month, thousands of pilgrims gather to pay homage to Ba Chua Xu, the revered Mother Goddess, and participate in a vibrant celebration filled with rituals, traditions, and community spirit.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival, delving into its history, core events, and cultural significance, and offering practical tips for visitors planning to experience this spiritual journey.

 

Overview of Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival

Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival is rooted in Vietnamese spiritual practices and folklore. Legend goes that Sam Mountain residents on Chau Doc found the monument of Ba Chua Xu, sometimes known as the "Lady of the Realm", said to have the divine ability, the goddess is supposed to have shielded the nearby population from invaders and natural disasters.

Quan Am in temple

The annual celebration honors her blessings and marks the start of a centuries-old custom of worship and respect with the discovery of the monument.

Located at the base of Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu Temple grew to be a holy haven, drawing pilgrims from all around Vietnam. Although the temple has seen several renovations, its spiritual core remains intact and it is still pillar of religious and cultural life in An Giang Province.

Ba Chua Xu is more to devotees than just a deity; she stands for protection, wealth, and peace. Her impact is felt to be in many spheres of life, from family protection to guarantees of good harvests. During Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival, pilgrims come to the temple seeking blessings, making prayers, and thanks for her divine protection.

The festival's defining quality is the spiritual link the goddess has with the nearby community. This link spans decades and promotes a group feeling of unity and direction.

The celebration customs, including the bathing ceremony and the procession, represent spiritual cleansing and rebirth, so strengthening the great respect and loyalty for Ba Chua Xu.

Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival is very important culturally since it reflects the blending of indigenous ideas with Buddhist and Taoist inspirations. This special fusion of customs captures the several spiritual terrain of Vietnam.

Apart from its religious features, the celebration is quite important for maintaining customs and presenting local legacy. Traditional folk events, lion dances, and group feasts give a forum for cultural expression, so ensuring that these beloved customs are handed on to next generations.

Ba Chua Xu Temple

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Events and rituals

1. The statue of Ba Chua Xu washing rite

Different customs are carried out during Festival of Ba Chua Xu Goddess. She is also made to wear fresh robes for the occasion and the monument of Ba Chua is bathed in perfumed water on the first night.

Then the little bits of Ba Chua's thrown-off clothes are distributed among the worshippers. Considered lucky charms to drive away evil spirits and keep the possessor in good health.

2. Tuc Yet rite

Tuc Yet rite starts Tuesday following the washing ceremony. Appealing for Ba Chua's recommendations to the heaven, the worshippers follow this Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival ritual.

Along with it is a grand dragon dance procession, which is followed in Ba Chua's temple by chanting rites. Finally a man from the village performs the Duc Boi rite by singing loudly for the welfare of the nation and people.

Tuc Yet rite

On the two sides, participants in smart traditional attire stand while the master of ceremonies in front of Ba Chua monument.

On a table before the monument, the offerings comprise a white pig, a dish of pig's blood and a little hair, a tray of sticky rice, a tray of fruits, a tray of areca and betel, a dish of rice and salt. On the altar, the maestro of ceremonies and notables burn incense.

3. Xay Chau rite

The Xay Chau rite comes following the Tuc Yet rite. People replace the table before the altar with a drum to get ready for this rites. The master of ceremonies holds two drumsticks and say his prayers before the altar.

Then, he sprinkles water on the floor from dipping a branch of willow into a water bowl on the left of the altar. He placed the bowl and the willow branch on the altar after completing the rite, then pounded three salvos of drum beats to start the hat boi (classical opera) performance.

4. Chanh Te rite

At 4 a.m. on the 26th, the Chanh Te rite is held customs akin to those of the Tuc Yet rites. The four tablets are returned to Thoai Ngoc Hau tomb on the afternoon of the 27th day, so concluding the celebration.

5. Traditional folk performances

Ba Chua Xu Temple festival on Sam Mountain is not only a spiritual event but also a celebration of Vietnamese culture. Throughout the festival, you can enjoy traditional lion dances, folk music performances, dance with cups and dishes,...

Lion dance

6. Games and community activities

In addition to the rituals, Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival features a variety of traditional games and communal activities, such as tug-of-war and boat races. These events bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. 

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When is Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival held?

From January to April lunar months, Ba Chua Xu Temple experiences the most packed schedule. People from all around the nation will be flocking to the temple and staying until 2-3 a.m. People burn license, prepare fruits and other goods to show their respect to the Ba Chua Xu with a hope that their next year will be rich, lucky and happy. 

Following lunar calendar, on April 25th there is the largest celebration in the temple featuring several ancient performances. So you should arrange to visit this day if you want to see local way of life here. 

You might consider renting a car in Chau Doc with Vietnam Budget Car Rental for a flexible and comfortable journey to the Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival. If you're traveling from Ho Chi Minh City or Cantho to Chau Doc, our reliable service makes it easier to explore Chau Doc and the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Choosing Vietnam Budget Car Rental ensures a great experience with professional drivers or self-drive options tailored to your needs. It’s an excellent way to make your trip to Sam Mountain and the Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival even more memorable.

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