The municipal-level Quan The Am (Avalokiteśvara) Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from March 16 - 19 (from the 17^th to 20^th days of the second lunar month) at the campus of the Quan The Am Pagoda in Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, and along neighbouring roads.

The annual Quan The Am Festival always attracts a large number of Buddhists and visitors. Photo: XUAN DUNG

On March 16, several activities will take place as part of the festival, including the opening ceremony, the ceremonies of the Sutra and flag raising, and the release of hot air balloons. There will also be a tug of war, a climbing competition to win the flag, and an exhibition of fine arts and calligraphy. Additionally, a special edition of Dieu Am for the Quan The Am Festival in 2025 will be launched.

Other highlights on the day will include an exhibition of information resources about Marble Mountains and Buddhism in Quang Nam - Da Nang, a book eloquence contest themed "Literature with Buddhism" and a display and performance of Non Nuoc fine art stone art.

An art photo contest themed "Quan Am - Festival Season", alongside an exhibition of paintings and art sculptures, will also be held.

A wide range of cultural and artistic activities will include Bai Choi and Tuong singing performances, lion and dragon dance performances, bamboo pole dancing, and various folk game booths. There will be an incense offering ceremony in memory of Princess Huyen Tran and a spring worship ceremony to pray for national peace and security. A parade of flower-decorated vehicles, ground and water puppetry performances, and the art programme welcoming the festival themed "Shining Lotus Platform" will be organized.

Activities to be held on March 17 will include a village flag festival, a mixed stilt walking competition, a Non Nuoc fine art stone carving competition and an artistic kite festival.

A discussion on "The Influence of Buddhism in the ‘Ma Nhai’ Documentary Heritage at the Marble Mountains Scenic Spot", live performances of drawings and sketches related to the festival, and folk art performances, will also be featured.

On March 18, a ceremony honouring Bodhisattva Quan The Am will take place, featuring various religious rituals, a procession to pay homage to the Bodhisattva, and a costume ceremony for Long - Phung Quan The Am.

Additionally, there will be a ceremony to offer artistic fruit trays, a traditional boat race, a Vietnamese vegetarian culinary space, a parade of flower-decorated boats, and a ceremony to release flower-shaped lanterns.

The closing ceremony of the festival will be held on March 19 and will feature such activities as a run and a walk for peace in 2025.

Reporting by DOAN HAO LUONG - Translating by M.DUNG, T.TUNG