Hoang Luc Temple Festival – A Beautiful Cultural And Spiritual Feature In The Border Area Of Cao Bang

Cao Bằng not only attracts visitors with its majestic mountains, clear waterfalls, and poetic border roads, but it is also a land rich in historical, cultural, and spiritual traditions. Among them, the Hoàng Lục Temple Festival in Đình Phong commune, Trùng Khánh district, Cao Bằng province is a typical festival, deeply imbued with the spiritual cultural mark of the ethnic groups in the border region.

The festival is organized to commemorate General An Biên Hoàng Lục, a national hero who contributed to the defense of the country's borders. According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the Hoàng Lục Temple Festival in 2025 will be held on March 27, 2025, which is the 28th day of the second lunar month, at Đình Phong commune, Trùng Khánh district, Cao Bằng province.

Where is Hoàng Lục Temple?

Hoàng Lục Temple is located in Đình Phong commune, Trùng Khánh district, Cao Bằng province. This is a border area rich in historical traditions, situated near the Quây Sơn River and not far from the famous tourist spots of Trùng Khánh.

Hoàng Lục Temple worships General An Biên Hoàng Lục, a Tày chief who lived in the 11th century during the reign of King Lý Nhân Tông. He was born in the Lũng Đính region, Thượng Lang district, now part of Đình Phong commune, Trùng Khánh district, Cao Bằng province.

From a young age, Hoàng Lục was known as a talented person, knowledgeable in history, and skilled in military strategy. At the age of 18, he was entrusted with governing a region and was respected by the people. During the resistance against the invading Song army, he contributed to preserving the borders and protecting the northern land of the homeland. For his contributions, he was honored by the court as General An Biên.

The significance of the Hoàng Lục Temple Festival

The Hoàng Lục Temple Festival is an opportunity for local people and visitors from afar to express their gratitude to the general who defended the borders. This is not only a spiritual and religious activity but also a way for the border people to preserve historical memories and educate future generations about patriotism.

The festival also carries the meaning of wishing for national peace and stability, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and a peaceful, prosperous life. For the people of Cao Bằng, Hoàng Lục Temple is an important spiritual address, a place to express faith, gratitude, and aspirations for a better life.

Time of the festival

Currently, the Hoàng Lục Temple Festival is held annually on the 28th day of the second lunar month. This is a major festival that attracts a large number of local people and tourists to offer incense and participate in the festivities.

In the past, the festival was held twice a year. In spring, people held ceremonies to pray for blessings, favorable weather, and good harvests. In autumn, after the harvest, the community would choose a good day to offer thanks. Later, the festival was restored and unified to be held on the 28th day of the second lunar month each year.

The solemn and respectful ceremony

The ceremony of the Hoàng Lục Temple Festival is held solemnly, reflecting the people's respect for General An Biên Hoàng Lục. Locals and visitors come to the temple to offer incense and offerings, remembering the contributions of the general who protected the homeland and the country.

The festival atmosphere is deeply spiritual, associated with the belief in honoring those who have contributed to the people and the nation. The rituals of offering incense and ceremonies not only express the moral principle of “drinking water, remembering its source” but also help preserve the traditional cultural identity of the Tày community and other ethnic groups in Cao Bằng's border region.

The lively and rich cultural festival

In addition to the solemn ceremony, the Hoàng Lục Temple Festival also features a lively festival with many cultural, artistic activities, and folk games. According to information about traditional festivals, the festival previously included activities such as tossing the ball, lion dancing, and love duet singing.

These activities create a joyful atmosphere, strengthen community bonds, and help visitors better understand the rich spiritual life of the local people. This is also an opportunity for the community to meet, exchange, and wish each other a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Located in Trùng Khánh district, Hoàng Lục Temple can be combined in the journey to explore famous destinations such as Bản Giốc waterfall, Quây Sơn River, Ngườm Ngao cave, or the border villages.

For tourists who love cultural, festival, and historical tourism, the Hoàng Lục Temple Festival is an experience worth attending. Not only can visitors immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional festivals, but they also have the opportunity to learn about a Tày general who made significant contributions to the history of national defense.