Residents and tourists streamed to temples and pagodas across the capital on the morning of the first day of Tet 2026 (Lunar New Year), seeking blessings for a new year filled with hope.

Among the most visited were Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Su Pagoda, where incense smoke curled gently into the cool spring air.

A steady flow of worshippers arrived at Quan Thanh Temple, creating a vibrant yet reverent atmosphere. Pathways leading into the complex were packed with visitors, while inside, the scent of burning incense lingered, enveloping the sacred space in a haze that felt both solemn and serene.

Many families came prepared with offerings, lighting incense sticks from the courtyard before stepping quietly into the main sanctuary. Some visitors lingered longer, taking time to learn about the temple’s centuries-old history. Souvenir stalls nearby drew interest as well, particularly small lapel pins bearing the image of Huyen Thien Tran Vu - the guardian deity of the North in ancient Thang Long - chosen as tokens of protection and good fortune for the year ahead.

International visitors also joined in the experience, eagerly trying their hand at the early-year calligraphy ritual, a cherished tradition believed to bring wisdom and prosperity.

Along Thanh Nien Street, Tran Quoc Pagoda stood out as a favorite destination for those beginning their spring outings with a temple visit. The road was thick with pedestrians and vehicles, with both lanes crowded throughout the morning. Parking areas in the vicinity quickly became overwhelmed by the surge of visitors.

Inside the pagoda grounds, the worship area filled steadily with incense smoke and murmured prayers. Thao, a Hanoi resident, shared that this was the first time her family had chosen to visit temples in the capital for the new year, as in previous years they had returned to their hometown in Soc Son.

“Our whole family finds it very meaningful,” she said. “The festive spirit is everywhere. Everyone seems joyful and hopeful on the first day of the year.”

Quan Su Pagoda was equally animated, with streams of worshippers moving in and out throughout the morning. The vivid colors of ao dai worn by many women added a graceful brightness to the solemn setting, bringing touches of spring to the heart of the capital.

Kim Lien Temple at 148 Kim Hoa Street also welcomed a large number of visitors. As one of the four sacred guardian temples of ancient Thang Long, it represents the southern direction and is dedicated to Cao Son Dai Vuong - a deity revered for protecting the people from calamities. Built during the reign of King Ly Thai To, the temple today is recognized as a special national relic site, distinguished by its timeworn architecture and deep historical significance.

Duc Anh - Pham Hai