Discover the Hon Chen Temple Festival: A Unique Belief of Hue

The Hon Chen Temple Festival, also known as the Hue Nam Temple Festival, is the largest cultural and spiritual activity in Hue, honoring Holy Mother Thien Y A Na – the guardian deity of the Champa people who was Sinicized into Thien Tien Thanh Mau. The festival takes place at Hon Chen Temple, a sacred temple located by the Perfume River in Hai Cat Village, Huong Tho Ward, Hue City. This is a harmonious combination of folk worship rituals, traditional music, and community activities, creating a vivid picture of the spiritual life of Hue residents. On a grand scale, the festival attracts thousands of participants, especially during the main events, turning the Perfume River into a colorful festival space.

The Hon Chen Temple Festival originates from Champa beliefs, where the Cham people worshipped Holy Mother Thien Y A Na – the goddess protecting the land and its people. When the Vietnamese came to settle in the Thuan Hoa region, they adopted, preserved, and blended this belief with their own Mother Goddess worship tradition. Over time, the festival has not only become a major spiritual event but also a vivid symbol of the cultural interchange between the Vietnamese and Cham peoples.

The meaning of the festival goes beyond rituals praying for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is also an occasion for people to express gratitude and convey wishes for health, peace, and good fortune. Furthermore, the festival holds deep community value, connecting local residents and visitors in a space that is both sacred and colorful, creating a unique cultural symphony of Hue.

The Hon Chen Temple Festival lasts for 3 days, featuring many unique rituals and activities that vividly reflect the culture and beliefs of Hue people. Below are the highlights not to be missed:

Deity Procession on the Perfume River

This is the most signature ritual of the festival, drawing the attention of numerous visitors. Splendidly decorated dragon boats carry deities from Hon Chen Temple along the Perfume River to village communal houses or other worship sites. The boat procession moves to the beat of drums, gongs, and Chau Van ritual singing, creating a magical and sacred ambiance.

Hau Dong Ritual (Mediumship Ritual)

Hau Dong is an important spiritual ritual in the festival, where mediums enter trances to communicate with the deities. The dances, songs, and colorful costumes in this ritual are not only spiritual but also form a unique folk art practice.

Folk Cultural Activities

In addition to spiritual rituals, the festival features cultural activities such as Ba Trao singing, lion dances, and folk games. This is an opportunity for visitors to experience Hue culture in a vivid and intimate way.

The Hon Chen Temple Festival is held twice a year: the Spring Sacrifice on the 2nd-3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, and the Autumn Sacrifice in the 7th lunar month (usually falling around August-September in the Solar Calendar). For instance, in 2025, the Autumn Sacrifice festival takes place from August 30 to September 1 (i.e., July 8-10 in the Lunar Calendar). The main location is Hon Chen Temple in Hai Cat Village, Huong Tho Ward, Hue City, located about 10km from the city center, easily accessible by boat or road. The festival usually lasts for 3 days, reaching its peak on the main festival day.

Costumes at the festival deeply reflect Hue identity, featuring traditional five-panel Ao Dai, headturbans, and vibrant attire for spirit mediums, often utilizing symbolic colors such as red, yellow, and blue. The dominant music includes Chau Van singing and Royal Court Music combined with drums, gongs, and bamboo flutes, creating mystical melodies. The festival space extends from the Perfume River to the temple grounds, adorned with lanterns, banners, and wafting incense smoke, offering a sacred ambiance close to nature and Hue's heritage.

To fully experience the festival, keep the following tips in mind:

• Time: The main festival takes place in the 7th lunar month, usually running from the 3rd to the 7th day. Check the lunar calendar to plan accordingly.
• Location: Hon Chen Temple is located about 10 km from Hue city center. You can travel by motorbike, car, or boat along the Perfume River to reach the site.
• Attire: As this is a spiritual festival, you should wear respectful, modest clothing. Avoid overly short or revealing outfits when participating in rituals.
• Cultural etiquette: Respect local customs and rituals; avoid making noise or pushing in sacred spaces.
• Preparation: Bring drinking water, hats, and sunscreen if participating in daytime outdoor activities.

The Hon Chen Temple Festival is not only a distinctive spiritual event but also one of the traditional Hue festivals rich in cultural and religious value. Attending the festival, visitors can immerse themselves in an atmosphere that is both vibrant and colorful, yet solemn and sacred; discover the unique fusion of Cham and Vietnamese culture; and admire the poetic beauty of the Perfume River. This is the perfect occasion to better appreciate the spirit of community solidarity and the long-standing traditional values preserved by the people of Hue across generations.