From the early hours of the sixth day of Tet (Lunar New Year), boats departing from Yen wharf were already busy ferrying visitors to the Huong Son scenic and relic complex in Huong Son commune, Hanoi, where they prayed for health, peace and good fortune in the new year.

This year, free admission through the sixth day of Tet further contributed to the surge in visitors. To meet demand, nearly 4,000 boats were mobilized at the wharf.

By 6am, the paths leading to the caves were crowded with people. At the cable car station, many chose the quicker option instead of climbing on foot, especially given the rain and slippery steps.

By 7am, the entrance to Huong Tich Cave was already packed.

Huong Tich Cave, famed as “Nam thien de nhat dong” - the First Cave under Heaven - is the largest worship site within the Huong Pagoda complex. It is associated with the legend of Avalokitesvara’s cultivation and features spectacular stalactites as well as a green stone statue of Avalokitesvara dating back to the Tay Son period in 1793.

Inside the cave, people stood shoulder to shoulder to perform rituals. Many clasped their hands in reverence, while others gently touched the stalactites and prayed with solemn devotion.

Catching water droplets from the cave’s stalactites is a long-standing custom during the Huong Pagoda pilgrimage. Visitors raise their hands to receive what is believed to be “holy water” - pure drops symbolizing the blessings of Avalokitesvara. The ritual is meant to bring luck, prosperity, health and peace throughout the year.

Hoang Van Diep from Dong Anh district, Hanoi, said that to reach Huong Tich Cave early, he arrived at the cable car station at 2am. “I wanted to be among the first inside the cave to pray and catch the sacred water for my family,” he shared.

As noon and afternoon approached, the number of pilgrims heading to the main cave continued to rise, undeterred by the drizzling rain.

According to a representative of the People’s Committee of Huong Son commune, from the first to the fifth day of Tet, the Huong Pagoda complex welcomed 135,895 visitors, an increase of 37,561 people, or 138%, compared to the same period last year. On the fifth day of Tet alone, 51,190 visitors came for sightseeing and worship. Tens of thousands more were expected on the sixth day as the pilgrimage season continued.

The Bang