Dau Pagoda is the first pagoda of Vietnamese Buddhism, evidence of the lineage of Vietnamese Buddhism originating from India. Every year, on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, which is considered the birthday of Buddha Shakyamuni, people in the area enthusiastically and jubilantly hold the Dau Pagoda festival. This is a big, famous festival that has entered the folk song: "No matter where anyone goes/Whenever they see the Dau pagoda tower, they will return/No matter who trades hundreds of jobs/On the eighth day of April, they will return to the Dau festival." .
Dau Pagoda is also known as Dien Ung, Phap Van, or Co Chau, located in Thanh Khuong commune, Thuan Thanh district. This is considered the earliest pagoda formed in Vietnam when Buddhism was first introduced, preserving many ancient architectural works such as Luy Lau ancient citadel, Si Nhiep's tomb, a system of pagodas, temples, palaces, stupa… Dau Pagoda Festival is held very solemnly and on a large scale on the 8th - 9th day of the 4th lunar month on a large scale in three communes in the Dau - Luy Lau area (Thuan Thanh): Thanh Khuong, Tri Qua, Ha Man with 5 large pagodas worshiping Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Loi, Phap Dien and To pagoda worshiping Mrs. Man Nuong - mother of Tu Phap, with Dau pagoda as the center. This is considered the oldest festival that still exists today. History books say that kings and lords often came here to attend festivals, worship Buddha, and pray for the island. Even the statue of Phap Van was brought back to Thang Long capital many times to pray for the island. The festival is held with solemn and solemn ceremonies in accordance with traditional customs to commemorate the day Buddha Mother Man Nuong gave birth to a daughter. The main activity of the association is that the villages organize the procession of statues of Phap Van (Mrs. Dau), Phap Vu (Mrs. Dau), Phap Loi (Mrs. Tuong), Phap Dien (Mrs. Dan) from their village pagodas to gather at the temple. Dau Pagoda, the procession includes worshiping horses, fan flags, parasols, palanquins and tribute bowls, drawn from all directions.... The most special and impressive thing is that when arriving at Dau Pagoda, the game "mother chases child" takes place. The palanquins of Mrs. Dau, Mrs. Dau, Mrs. Tuong, and Mrs. Dan, each palanquin runs 3 times and then returns to its original place. Then the most anticipated "water robbery" game took place, when the signal was given, the palanquins of Mrs. Sam, Mrs. Dau, and Mrs. Rain raced to carry each other to the three gates. The lady who comes first in the palanquin procession gets the water and wins. People believe that if it is Mrs. Dau, that year will have a good harvest, if it is Mrs. Tuong, that year the fields will be very wormy, there will be many leeches, and business will be difficult. In addition, the commune people also organize a procession of "Buddha Thach Quang" and "Buddha of the Four Dharmas" to Man Xa Pagoda (Man Nuong's mother's hometown) to worship their ancestors, and a "circling parade" procession... The Dau Pagoda Festival is an indispensable need in the spiritual life of the people of the Dau region. Because it is not only the need to find Buddha and immerse yourself in the vibrant and typical folk community cultural activities, but also the important meaning of praying for all the best, praying for good weather and wind - a lifelong wish of agricultural residents.
From 15/05/2024 - 16/05/2024