Biggest Buddhism festival kicks off in Đà Nẵng

Heed my call: Locals come to pray for peace and prosperity at the Quán Thế Am Pagoda in Đà Nẵng. VNS Photo Công ThànhArtists from Đà Nẵng also brought their oil paintings in an exhibition entitled


Lotus Scent


running at the pagoda till March 17.

A flag hoisting ceremony and exhibition of calligraphy and painting kicked off the annual Quán Thế Âm (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) Festival in Đà Nẵng’s Ngũ Hành Sơn district on Tuesday.

A prayer ceremony was also held at the Quán Thế Âm Pagoda at the foot of the Kim Sơn Mountain – the largest of the Marble Mountains.

Culture: A painting exhibition at the Quán Thế Am Pagoda. VNS Photo Công Thành

Earlier in the morning, a Buddhism lecture and meditation session, martial arts performance and bài chòi (a card game) was held at Đá Pagoda in Sư Vạn Hạnh street, beside the Quán Thế Âm Pagoda.

The festival’s organising committee also opened the Buddhist Culture Museum at Quán Thế Âm Pagoda with an exhibition of more than 500 antiques.

Flying proudly: A flag of annual Quán Thế Âm (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) Festival is hoisted at the top of the Kim Sơn Mountain in Đà Nẵng city. VNS Photo Công Thành

Art troupes from Japan, Myanmar, Thailand and India will also join the festival from March 14-16, while boat-racing, folk games and a run for peace will also be held.

The main festival, which falls on March 16 (the 19th of second lunar month) will feature the procession of an image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and a prayer for a year of peace, prosperity and happiness for the nation.

Pen is mightier than the sword: A calligraphy demonstration in the main hall of the Quán Thế Am Pagoda. VNS Photo Công Thành

Tourists will be able to explore the stone sculptures of the 400-year-old Non Nước stone village – a piece of national intangible heritage – in the district.

The festival draws about 10,000 residents and tourists each year. —VNS