Pilgrims are flocking to Nam Dinh province’s Tran Temple ahead of its famous seal opening ceremony, this year scheduled for the 13th night of the first lunar month (or February 14).
The ceremony reenacts a custom dating back to the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400), marking the date when mandarins resumed work after the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
The administrative officials would pick up their seals once more, signaling the beginning of another year of rewards and conferred titles.
Tradition now states Vietnamese people who travel to get a stamp from Tran Temple are rewarded with good luck, happiness, and prosperity in the new year.
This year’s event will open with the seal’s procession from Co Trach Temple to Thien Truong Temple. Thien Truong Temple honours 14 Tran Dynasty kings.
The Tran Temple Festival encompasses a variety of religious customs and cultural activities, including incense and votive offerings, traditional martial arts performances, and folk games.
Replicas of the Tran Temple seal will available at a number of venues to ease overcrowding.
The organising board has assigned more than 2,000 soldiers, police officers, and local residents to security and safety details during the festival.