On the followingnoon of February 14, tens of thousands of people flocked to Huong Son Scenic Relic Area (My Duc district, Hanoi) to sightsee and worship. This is an attractive spiritual tourist destination, especially in the early spring of the new year. Spring temple ceremonies are always a popular activity and a beauty in the cultural and spiritual life of Vietnamese people.
A crowded sea of people waiting to enter Huong Tich cave to perform rituals and pray for peace on the followingnoon of February 14. Photo: Gia Khiem
As noted by PV Dan Viet, places such as the boat wharf, cable car waiting room and the entrance to Huong Tich cave, the number of people queuing is always crowded. In the followingnoon of the same day, the number of people entering Huong Tich cave to worship and pray for peace was even larger. On the way up, regarding 150m from the cave entrance, the number has reached thousands.
Young children follow their parents to the temple at the beginning of the year. Photo: Gia Khiem
Due to traveling long distances, many children appeared extremely tired, resting their heads on their parents’ shoulders. Photo: Gia Khiem
There are small children sleeping in the arms of relatives. Photo: Gia Khiem
Many young children followed their parents because they were too tired from jostling, continuously for regarding 2-3 hours and fell asleep in their relatives’ arms and shoulders. The path down leading into the cave is crowded with visitors and worshipers. Everyone has no choice but to inch their way down.
According to statistics from the Relic Management Board, in the past 3 days this place welcomed regarding 80,000 visitors, and on the 5th day of Tet alone welcomed more than 40,000 people. It is expected that February 15 (the 6th day of Tet) will welcome regarding 30,000 guests. The number of visitors is estimated to be 20% higher than the same period last year.
According to statistics from the Relic Management Board, the 5th day of Tet alone welcomes more than 40,000 people. Photo: Gia Khiem
People bring offerings to worship and pray for fortune and peace in the new year. Photo: Gia Khiem
The path down leading into the cave is crowded with visitors and worshipers. Everyone has no choice but to inch their way down. Photo: Gia Khiem
Sharing with us, Ms. Le Thi Hoa (from Ha Nam) said that to be able to enter the cave, she and her relatives had to leave early, it took regarding 1 hour by boat, 3 hours waiting for the cable car and 2 hours waiting for the cable car. New customers can step foot inside Huong Tich cave.
“Even though we were a little tired, everyone was happy when we went to the temple on the first day of the year. I just hope that the whole family has lots of health, peace and luck in the new year. My family also hopes to overcome the difficulties caused by the impact general economy,” Ms. Hoa said.
The main altar located in the middle of the cave is where many people make offerings on the first day of the new year. Photo: Gia Khiem
People rub money on stalactites for good luck. Photo: Gia Khiem
Tourists compete to catch water from stalactites flowing down the bridge to bring good luck in the year of the Dragon. Photo: Gia Khiem
Here, people rest, people worship, and people take souvenir photos, making the space vibrant but also full of constraints. Many people come here with the desire to pray for a lucky new year, good health and fortune for their children.
After burning incense and praying to Buddha, many people raced to reach out their hands to catch drops of water falling from the stalactites above. People believe that this is “holy water” or “mother’s milk” dripping from above. Just catching water here is a sign of luck and blessings from God.
According to the Organizing Committee, a record number of visitors to Huong Pagoda this festival season is forecast to fall on Sunday, February 18 (January 9).
