Co Le Pagoda Festival: Schedule and Tips for Attending the Ancient Festival

The traditional Co Le Pagoda festival is held annually to commemorate and pay tribute to Saint Master Nguyen Minh Khong – a Zen Master and National Teacher of the Ly Dynasty, who played a great role in founding the pagoda in the 12th century.

• Time: The festival takes place from the 13th to the 16th day of the 9th lunar month every year.
• Location: The historical and cultural relic complex of Co Le Pagoda and the river flowing through Co Le village.

The people of Truc Ninh still pass down a folk verse to remind future generations of their hometown festival:

“No matter what business one does in a hundred trades

Remember to return on the fourteenth of the ninth month for the Saint's festival” 

Co Le Pagoda Festival is a harmonious blend of solemn Buddhist rituals and vibrant folk cultural activities, demonstrating the spirit of "Buddhism accompanies the Nation".

The Ceremonial Part: Solemn and Traditional 

The ceremonial part focuses on spiritual rituals and unique traditions:

• Palanquin Procession Ritual: The procession of the Ancestral palanquin from the ancestral houses of the five major clans (Duong Nhat, Nguyen, Phan, Le, Duong Nhi) to the pagoda, and the procession welcoming the palanquins of the Saint Master and the Mother Goddess.
• Worship Rituals: Male and female officiant rituals, banner procession, incense offering, and thanksgiving ceremony.
• Chau Thanh Land Puppetry: A prominent ritual held in the evenings at the Buddha Hall, performed by descendants of the two branches of the Nguyen family. The puppet statues consist of 9 Holy heads moving to the rhythm of clappers, gongs, and drums, forming Sino-Vietnamese characters such as "Long live the Saint's palace" and "Peace under heaven", praying for national peace and prosperity.
• Tribute to Martyrs: Incense offering ceremony to honor monks and nuns who "took off their robes and put on battle armor" to sacrifice for the protection of the Fatherland, educating the younger generation on the tradition of "when drinking water, remember the source".

The Festival Part: Vibrant and Martial Spirit 

The festival part bears the strong imprint of Northern folk culture, attracting a large number of participants and cheerers:

• Boat Racing Competition (Hoi Boi Chai): The most prominent activity, taking place on the river with a competition distance of 10km (4 rounds). The competition demonstrates martial spirit and recalls the legend of Saint Master teaching the locals fishing along the river.
• Folk Games: Including human chess, tug-of-war, lion-dragon dances, Cheo opera performances, and Hat Van singing, creating a festive atmosphere and fostering community bonding.

It is the unique blend of the solemn Ceremonial part and the vibrant Festival part that defines the distinctive value of the Co Le Pagoda Festival, turning it into a living national intangible cultural heritage that endures over time, serving as eloquent proof of the spirit of "Buddhism always accompanies the nation".

This architectural complex stands out for its unique blend of Buddhism and other cultural elements, as reflected in the following main structures:

• Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower: The 32m-tall tower, standing majestically in the middle of a lake, is a symbol of the nine layers of lotus flowers in the Buddhist realm with nine rotating tiers. The entire architecture is set on the back of a giant stone turtle. Notably, inside the tower is a spiral staircase with 64 steps, symbolizing the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching, reflecting a deep integration of Buddhist studies and Eastern philosophy.
• Dai Hong Chung (Great Sacred Bell): This is a national treasure of sacred significance, cast in 1936. The bell has impressive dimensions: weighing 9 tons, 4.2m high, with a mouth diameter of 2.2m. The bell is solemnly placed on a stone pedestal in the middle of a quiet lake, associated with reverberating bell chimes.
• Main Hall Architecture: This structure possesses the traditional Vietnamese layout of "Buddha in front - Saint in back", but carries a unique appearance reminiscent of a Catholic cathedral. This is reflected through the system of vaulted ceilings, high roofs, and stained glass windows, creating a rare and extremely unique architectural fusion.
• Maitreya Buddha Statue: This monument is carved from a single block of white salt stone, standing 9.5m tall and weighing approximately 500 tons. Enshrined at Lien Hoa Square, the statue depicts the gentle and benevolent demeanor of the Future Buddha.

Overall, with the harmonious combination of Buddhist elements, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and influence from Western religious architecture, this complex is not only a spiritual monument but also a unique testament to a rare fusion of culture and architectural art.

For a convenient pilgrimage and festival attendance, you should keep the following points in mind:

• Ideal Time: You should visit on the main festival days (the 14th and 15th of the 9th lunar month) to fully witness the ceremonies and cultural activities, especially the boat racing competition and land puppetry ritual.
• Attire: The festival takes place in a sacred place; therefore, you should choose polite, modest, and elegant clothing (long pants, sleeved shirts) to show respect.
• Transportation: The festival attracts a large number of visitors and personal vehicles, so you should arrange your schedule early to avoid traffic congestion.
• Protecting Belongings: The festival is crowded, so always keep close watch over your personal belongings.
• Maintaining General Hygiene: Contribute to keeping the relic space and festival area clean, beautiful, and civilized.

Adhering to the above notes will help visitors have a safe, convenient, and meaningful pilgrimage when participating in the traditional festival at this sacred place.

Co Le Pagoda, with its timeless unique architecture and the vibrant September Traditional Festival, is truly a living museum of Vietnamese culture. This relic complex not only honors Saint Master Nguyen Minh Khong but also serves as eloquent proof of religious harmony and the continuous continuation of national traditions.

Attending the Co Le Pagoda Festival, you will not only admire magnificent architectural works featuring a strong mark of fusion, but also immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere of the Boat Racing Competition and the unique Land Puppetry ritual. Keep these useful experiences in mind to ensure your trip is complete and peaceful. Undoubtedly, the journey to Co Le on the Full Moon of the Ninth Lunar Month will bring unforgettable emotions and a deep understanding of Vietnamese spiritual and cultural values.