The province’s Tam Dao District announced the ministry’s recognition of the belief – one of the three most ancient religious practices in the northern region – at a ceremony held over the weekend.

Based on research and the agreement of the National Heritage Council, the ministry released a list of national intangible cultural heritages, including the three oldest religious practices of Tay Thien Mother Goddess, Hung King and Tan Vien Son Thanh worships.

The belief in Tay Thien Mother Goddess worship is not only a local, regional and national religion, but also a cultural symbol of Vinh Phuc Province.

It reflects the historical value and patriotic tradition of ethnic groups united in fighting foreign invaders, according to reports from the provincial authorities.

Being proud and happy to welcome the ministry’s recognition, the Party Committees, authorities and the people of Vinh Phuc Province have pledged to take more responsibility in preserving and promoting the intangible cultural values of the belief at the national level.

Tam Dao District People's Committee Chairman Dinh Van Muoi stressed that in order to preserve and promote the social practices and beliefs in worshiping the Tay Thien Mother Goddess, the district would develop specific plans and continue to focus on introducing and advertising the image of the Tay Thien Mother Goddess to all visitors, including foreigners.

At the same time, the district committed to coordinate closely and effectively with ministries, departments, agencies and localities in protecting, preserving and promoting social customs and beliefs of the Tay Thien Mother Goddess, as well as the Tay Thien historical relic and landscape, according to the official.

Located about 65km north-west of Hanoi, the Tay Thien spiritual tourism site in Tam Dao National Park, is a unique historical-cultural complex among the majestic mountains and forests of Tam Dao District, Vinh Phuc Province.

The site, including the Tay Thien Pagoda with Buddhist monuments and relics of the Mother Goddess Temples, attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The Tay Thien Festival is held annually from February 15 to 17 every lunar year to commemorate the Mother of the Nation, Lang Thi Tieu – the wife of Hung Chieu Vuong, a son of a Hung King, who helped the King to expand the realms, teach people to plant wet rice, recruit soldiers, and strengthen the dynasty.

Relics dedicated to her in Dai Dinh Town, Tam Dao District have been recognised as a special national historical relic since December 2015.

Due to fears of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Tay Thien Spring Festival 2020 took place last weekend with some changes in the programme. The festival did not include cultural activities to avoid large gatherings of people, focusing on ritual ceremonies including one announcing the decision to recognise the Tay Thien Mother Goddess worship as an intangible cultural heritage. — VNS

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