The Quan The Am (Avalokitecvara) Festival is taking place from 17 - 19 March (the 17^th – 19^th days of the 2^nd lunar month) at Ngu Hanh Son District's Quan The Am (Avalokitecvara) Pagoda in the Marble Mountains Tourist Area.

Yesterday morning, the district’s Su Van Hanh Street was crowded with local residents and visitors who were on their way to the pagoda.  Also, a photo exhibition about local tourism and the Marble Mountains has attracted a large number of visitors, and the impressive works by Japanese and Vietnamese calligraphers are proving popular.

A solemn traditional ritual to wish for peace, happiness and prosperity throughout the year

Visitors, especially those from Thailand and Japan, are very interested in the impressive item featuring the plait of flowers and leaves to the Naga (snake god with a lotus-shaped lamp support comprising 7 snake heads).  The item was presented by a group of monks from Thailand.

This year’s event has attracted both local residents and visitors, including many from other parts of the country.  A visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, Mr Tran Van Thanh, said that although he had heard about this popular event in domestic newspapers, this was the first time that he had experienced such a solemn traditional festival atmosphere.  He said that the event had given him the opportunity to admire traditional Buddhist culture, as well as to discover the beautiful scenery of the Marble Mountains Tourist Area.

In an attempt to ensure social order and security during the festival, 200 local security force members have been on duty at the festival’s major areas.  Their purpose includes dealing with encroachment onto pavements, the harassment of tourists, and the presence of itinerant beggars and street vendors.