THE HANOI TIMES — The Ba Chua Xu Festival, a vibrant celebration of Vietnam’s unique traditions, has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognizing its enduring cultural significance and role in preserving the country’s rich heritage.
The colorful and energetic Ba Chua Xu Festival, a celebration of the Lady of the Realm Goddess, takes place on Mount Sam in An Giang Province. Photo: Thai Tinh
Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, captures the essence of intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing its vital role in connecting communities across generations. “Intangible cultural heritage is the lifeblood of communities,” he says, “and it is through rituals, festivals, performing arts, and social practices that the collective spirit and creativity of these communities are expressed and evolved to remain relevant in our dynamic world.”
The Ba Chua Xu Festival at Mount Sam is now among an esteemed list of cultural treasures, showcasing the diverse and vibrant cultural expressions of humanity.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh underscored the importance of this recognition, stating that it enriches Vietnam’s cultural landscape and elevates the country’s position on the global cultural stage. “The worship of the Lady of the Realm Goddess has been a part of our spiritual fabric for over 200 years,” he said, “and this inscription is a tribute to the tireless dedication of generations who have preserved and promoted the cultural and spiritual values of this festival.”
The Ba Chua Xu Festival is honored with the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Photo: VGP
An annual tradition in the southern province of An Giang, the Ba Chua Xu Festival comes alive from the 23rd to the 27th of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. It is celebrated at the Ba Chua Xu Temple and the Sacred Stone Altar on Mount Sam, with a range of rituals and offerings that reflect the deep cultural identity of the region.
The festival is a showcase of local customs, including the ceremonial bathing of the Ba Chua Xu statue and the preparation of intricate offerings. These sacred practices foster cultural exchange and strengthen the bonds between An Giang’s diverse ethnic groups, including Khmer, Chinese, and Cham communities.
An Giang Province, home to the festival, has become a significant destination for both spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts. With over eight million annual visitors, of which more than five million travel to Chau Doc City alone, the region offers a gateway to iconic cultural landmarks. Among these are the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Mount Sam, the Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb Complex, Hang Pagoda, and Tay An Pagoda, making An Giang a must-visit destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
The interior of Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc City, An Giang Province, showcases the elegant architecture and intricate details. Photo: Thai Tinh
The Ba Chua Xu Temple, located at the foot of Mount Sam in Chau Doc City, is an architectural masterpiece. The mountain itself, standing at 284 meters high, is a revered spiritual site where locals discovered the sacred statue of Ba Chua Xu, the Lady of the Realm. This protective goddess is believed to bestow good fortune, health, and prosperity upon her devotees. The statue, carved from red stone in the 6th century AD, is thought to represent Vishnu, a principal deity in Hinduism.
The placement of the statue at this location holds a special significance. According to legend, nine virgin girls carrying the statue in a procession found themselves unable to continue due to its weight. Interpreting this as a sign, the people believed that Ba Chua Xu had chosen this place as her residence.
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