New Rice Offering Ceremony at Nhuoc Son Temple, Chau Que Ha Commune (Van Yen District, Yen Bai province)

Recently, at the Nhuoc Son Temple, a national cultural and historical site located in Ngoc Chau Hamlet, Chau Que Ha Commune, Van Yen District, Yen Bai province, the New Rice Offering Ceremony was held to honor the great contributions of General Ha Chuong of the Tay ethnic group. The ceremony also conveyed wishes for a life of prosperity, warmth, and happiness.

The New Rice Offering Ceremony at Nhuoc Son Temple is held annually on the 20th day of the 9th month (20/9)

Legend has it that the 20th day of the 9th lunar month (20/9) marks the anniversary of General Ha Chuong’s passing. Local people prepare five offerings to offer a banquet to the great mandarin Nhuoc Son. 

The offering ceremony at the temple begins at midnight (0h00) on the 20th day of the 9th lunar month (20/9), featuring unique and spiritual rituals, including the purification ceremony, ceremonial bell-ringing, incense offerings, and a special pig sacrifice ritual at the Ngoi Nhuoc gateway. The pig’s blood is collected in a bamboo tube and divided into twelve cups as offerings to the Dragon King of Nhuoc Son waterfall.

The main incense-offering ceremony includes the shaman’s recitation of verses in memory of General Ha Chuong, praying for national peace and prosperity, abundant harvests, good health, and a life of warmth and happiness for the people.

Source: Yen Bai Newspaper – en.baoyenbai.com.vn