Full Moon Festival in lunar January celebrates and disseminates beauty

For many years, the Full Moon Festival in lunar January in Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, has been affectionately referred to as the "Civilized and Free Festival." This designation is not coincidental; rather, it reflects the collective agreement of various sectors, fields, units, and localities, along with the collaborative efforts of the community. These virtues continue to be celebrated and disseminated through numerous meaningful activities this year, garnering widespread participation.

Pilgrims visiting Thien Hau Temple are provided with complimentary bottles of mineral water and chilled towels at service points.

The allure of free festival

Commencing with the procession of the Ba Thien Hau's palanquin on the afternoon of January 9 at the Provincial Administrative Center, volunteer activities for the Full Moon Festival in January in the region of Thu have officially begun.

In the days leading up to the Full Moon in January, local authorities have coordinated the registration, organization, and allocation of locations for organizations, units, and individuals to engage in volunteer work along the roads and areas surrounding the Thien Hau Temple in Phu Cuong Ward. Notably, in the inner city areas, including around Nguyen Du Park, Nguyen Thai Hoc Park, Phu Cuong Park, and along both sides of Cach Mang Thang Tam, Bac Si Yersin, and Hung Vuong streets, numerous sites are providing complimentary beverages, cold towels, incense, and lucky trees.

Promoting the volunteer spirit among the youth of Thu Dau Mot, Ms. Dinh Thi Phuong An, an officer of the Thu Dau Mot City Youth Union, is enthusiastic about collaborating to support the community, visitors, and engage in activities during this year's festival season. In addition to providing guidance to attendees seeking information about the festival, she also plays a role in maintaining order in certain areas where the festivities take place. "Participating in these volunteer activities, I feel immensely honored and proud to contribute to a significant festival in my hometown," Ms. An expressed.

Members and staff of the women's union engage in environmental cleanup efforts at the festival site.

Eco-friendly

Aiming to establish a city characterized by “3 no, 4 good,” the vision of “5 exemplary citizens,” and the creation of a “City without garbage,” Thu Dau Mot City has recently undertaken numerous initiatives that have garnered enthusiastic participation and support from various levels of government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, as well as member organizations, units, and individuals within the city.

"This year, I continue to visit this place for worship, and it brings me great joy. From the efforts to maintain security and order to the guidance and service provided to pilgrims, everything is commendable, devoid of the exploitative practices seen in some other locations. Additionally, I find it particularly noteworthy that many offerings are provided free of charge. This generosity fosters a sense of connection, making me feel that the land and its people are exceptionally hospitable, enthusiastic, and considerate."

(Ms. Nguyen Thuy Hang, 68 years of age, a tourist from District 2, Ho Chi Minh City)

The Full Moon Festival in lunar January is an event that draws significant crowds, particularly during the procession of the Lady's palanquin at the Lady Thien Hau Temple in Hoa Phu Ward on the afternoon of January 9 and in Phu Cuong Ward on the afternoon of January 15. Consequently, city and local leaders are attentive to and oversee the efforts to maintain cleanliness and safeguard the environment throughout this festival, ensuring a civilized, courteous, and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

Immediately following the launch ceremony of the "Civilized - Compassionate - Environmentally Friendly Festival" program, members of the environmental protection self-management groups, along with numerous officials, union members, and representatives from city and local organizations, dispersed to the streets and areas hosting the festival. Their mission was to collect litter, clean the surroundings, uphold environmental hygiene, and educate attendees and tourists on the importance of disposing of waste properly within the festival grounds. This collective initiative, combined with the awareness and responsibility exhibited by participants, ensured that the streets and festival venues remained clean, orderly, and visually appealing to all.

Ms. Truong Thi Thu Hien, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Thu Dau Mot City, announced that this year the city has initiated the "Civilization - Compassion - Environmental Friendliness Festival" program. This initiative aims to engage members of self-governing groups in environmental protection and climate change response efforts, thereby reinforcing a sense of responsibility and enhancing the effectiveness of promoting a civilized urban cultural lifestyle through meaningful and practical activities.

"The specific activities undertaken will enhance the preservation and promotion of the cultural splendor of the annual Full Moon Festival in January within the city, thereby reinforcing solidarity among various religions and ethnic groups; showcasing the image of the people of Thu Dau Mot as hospitable, friendly, benevolent, affectionate, and cultured; and contributing to the development of Thu Dau Mot City as 'Civilized - Prosperous - Modern - Affectionate,' stated Ms. Truong Thi Thu Hien."