1. Overview of the Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony
1.1. What is the Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony?
As night falls upon the land of Tay Ninh, a brilliant light emanates from the Cao Dai Holy See, illuminating a vast space. This is when you can feel why the Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony is considered the most significant spiritual event of the year for the Cao Dai religion. Duc Chi Ton is the respectful name given to the Supreme Being, the highest deity in this belief system.
Since the early days of the Cao Dai religion's establishment in 1926, this ritual has bound followers together with a sacred spiritual thread. The festival is an occasion to express reverence for the creator and remember the gratitude owed to the heavenly father of all beings. What makes the Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony special is that it is not only for followers of the religion but also opens its doors to welcome those who wish to explore Vietnam's unique religious beauty.
1.2. Time and Location of the Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony
Those who have eagerly awaited a major event will easily sense the excited atmosphere. The Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony takes place on the 9th day of the first lunar month, which corresponds to February 6, 2025, on the Gregorian calendar.
The festival is held at the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh, located on Pham Ho Phap street, Tay Ninh. This expansive area of over 1 km² is the religious center of the Cao Dai faith and a prominent architectural work, harmoniously blending Eastern and Western styles.
1.3. Spiritual and Social Significance of the Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony
The Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony is not merely a religious ritual but also carries profound educational value regarding gratitude and filial piety towards the creator. Each rite and activity conveys a message of righteous living, encouraging people to strive for goodness in community life.
The festival also holds special significance in strengthening community bonds and preserving national cultural heritage. People from all three regions of Vietnam gather under a common roof, creating a vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese culture. Furthermore, the Tay Ninh Duc Chi Ton Vía Ceremony contributes to preserving traditional values, making it easier for everyone to access and appreciate the nation's precious cultural heritage.
The Vía Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh is not just a religious ritual. (Source: Collected)
2. Program and Outstanding Activities of the Vía Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh
2.1. Program Progression of the Vía Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh from the 8th to the 9th of the First Lunar Month
From the morning of the 8th, the festive atmosphere spread throughout the Holy See with the opening ceremony taking place in the large brick courtyard in front of the Holy Temple. The exhibition booths, meticulously prepared by the religious congregations, introduced many rich themes about history and traditions, attracting a large number of attendees.
As night fell, the festival part of the Vía Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh came alive with colorful dance performances. The sound of drums and gongs echoed, harmonizing with the procession of dragon incense, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the space. The distinctive ethnic music of the Tay Ninh region further delighted visitors.
The most important moment of the festival is on the 9th, when the solemn grand ritual is performed. All followers, dressed in traditional white ao dai, gathered solemnly in the main sanctuary area and the outer courtyard, creating a truly special and sacred space.
2.2. Exhibition of Vietnamese Heritage Models and the Spirit of Benevolence
A must-visit stop during the Vía Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh is the exhibition area featuring approximately 25 to 32 heritage models painstakingly crafted by the religious congregations. Each model tells a historical story, a humane lesson about national spirit and the ethics of being a good person.
Visitors have the opportunity to admire famous legends such as Mai An Tiem and the watermelon, Thanh Giong riding the iron horse, and the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. Notably, the set of models depicting the twenty-four filial exemplars conveys touching stories about filial piety. These works not only possess aesthetic value but also convey educational messages about benevolence and community building consciousness.
2.3. Special Cultural and Artistic Performances
The Vía Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh brings together many attractive traditional cultural and artistic performances, rarely seen elsewhere. The most prominent are the Long Ma dances and Tu Linh dances with giant dragon incense figures gracefully winding before the Holy Temple under the brilliant lights.
The melody of traditional Ngu Am music combined with religious sounds creates a sacred, indescribable atmosphere. Traditional ethnic instruments such as dan tranh, dan bau, and bamboo flutes are played with great skill and delicacy by local artists.
In particular, the Kh'Mer – Ta Mun ethnic women's team, with their vibrantly colored dances, brought a unique identity to the festival. Not only captivating with their dances and costumes, this performance also demonstrated cultural exchange and connection between different communities in Tay Ninh.
Commemoration Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton in Tay Ninh gathers many attractive traditional cultural and artistic performances. (Source: Collected)
2.4. Community Activities
Besides traditional rituals, the Commemoration Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton in Tay Ninh also offers visitors the opportunity to participate in many vibrant community activities. Folk games such as tug-of-war, danh con, and nem con are organized right within the Holy See complex, attracting the participation of many generations.
Traditional martial arts exchanges with the participation of talented masters create attractive performances. Visitors can observe performances of Vietnamese traditional martial arts as well as unique martial arts of ethnic minorities in the Tay Ninh region.
The music of the Khmer and Cham ethnic groups with their distinctive melodies contributes to the festival's colorfulness. These activities not only help people relax but also strongly reflect the Southern Vietnamese cultural style, contributing to making the Commemoration Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton in Tay Ninh rich in identity and meaning.
3. Unique Experiences at the Commemoration Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton in Tay Ninh
3.1. Traditional Attire and Festival Atmosphere
A deep impression of the Commemoration Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton in Tay Ninh is the sight of thousands of followers and visitors dressed in pristine white ao dai. Young women tie their hair neatly, and men wear formal attire, moving together within the Holy See complex, creating a picture that is both solemn and graceful.
When participating in incense offering rituals, visitors are required to go barefoot in the main sanctuary area. The feeling of walking barefoot on the cool tiled floor, amidst the quiet space, listening to the echoing chants, brings a very special spiritual experience.
The space of the Commemoration Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton in Tay Ninh is always open to welcome guests from all directions. Despite the large number of participants, all activities are organized meticulously, orderly, and maintain the necessary solemnity.
Image of thousands of devotees and tourists wearing pristine white ao dai outfits. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Spirit of Community and National Unity
The main highlight of the Via Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh Festival is its ability to connect people more closely. Here, you can easily see devotees from all regions, from cities to the countryside, attending together, showing respect for the Supreme Being.
Unity and mutual support are clearly demonstrated through how people share and encourage each other throughout the festival. Even strangers easily connect, share stories, or enjoy an exhibition together.
The festival also clearly expresses the spirit of religious harmony, living together peacefully and respecting each other. Traditional values such as "drinking water, remembering its source" and "a sound leaf shelters a torn one" are spread through every action, making the Via Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh Festival a gathering of love and empathy.
3.3. Attraction for Visitors from All Directions
The fact that tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of devotees and tourists visit the Via Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh Festival each year is a testament to the irresistible attraction of this event. Not only Vietnamese people, but many international visitors also come to experience the unique religious cultural atmosphere.
The festival is captivating due to the blend of the unique architecture of the Holy See and cultural experiences deeply imbued with spiritual significance. When attending, visitors feel immersed in a large community, experiencing the tolerance and the virtuous spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Many people, after attending the Via Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh Festival, have expressed feelings of peace and lightness in their souls. Some visitors, who are not Cao Dai followers, still return every year just to experience the special festival atmosphere and find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
4. Experience Attending the Via Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh Festival
4.1. Notes on Attire, Conduct, and Etiquette When Entering the Holy See
Before participating in the Via Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh Festival, you should pay attention to choosing attire that is appropriate for the sacred space. It is best to wear a white ao dai or light-colored, modest clothing. Hair should be tied up neatly, and avoid wearing overly tight or revealing clothing.
When entering the Main Hall area, everyone must leave their shoes outside and walk barefoot. Walking on the ancient tiled floor, you will easily feel the unique sacred atmosphere. Do not arbitrarily film or take photos during the main ceremonies.
When offering incense, maintain a respectful attitude, move gently, and do not make noise. If you are unsure about the rituals, you can ask volunteers or gently observe those around you to follow the customs of the Via Duc Chi Ton Tay Ninh Festival correctly.
Trước khi tham gia Lễ vía Đức Chí Tôn Tây Ninh, bạn nên chú ý chọn lựa trang phục sao cho phù hợp với không gian tôn nghiêm. (Nguồn: Sưu tầm)
4.2. Gợi ý lịch trình trải nghiệm trọn vẹn lễ hội
Để tận hưởng đầy đủ không khí Lễ vía Đức Chí Tôn Tây Ninh , bạn nên bắt đầu ngày mới bằng việc tham dự lễ khai mạc và dâng hương đầu ngày. Buổi sáng trong lành tại Tòa thánh là thời điểm lý tưởng để cảm nhận sự yên bình và chiêm ngưỡng vẻ đẹp kiến trúc nơi đây.
Buổi trưa là lúc phù hợp để khám phá khu triển lãm mô hình di sản, lắng nghe những câu chuyện lịch sử và tìm hiểu về văn hóa Cao Đài. Ở đây, các hướng dẫn viên sẽ kể bạn nghe về ý nghĩa sau mỗi mô hình, giúp chuyến tham quan thêm phần thú vị.
Đến chiều tối, du khách nên dành thời gian thưởng thức các tiết mục nghệ thuật đặc sắc như múa Long Mã, múa Tứ Linh. Sau đó, bạn có thể thưởng thức các món ẩm thực chay địa phương và ghi lại những bức ảnh lưu niệm. Nếu muốn trải nghiệm trọn vẹn, nên ở lại để tham dự nghi lễ đại đàn thiêng liêng vào đêm khuya của Lễ vía Đức Chí Tôn Tây Ninh .
5.3. Mẹo chụp ảnh đẹp và điểm "sống ảo" tại Tòa thánh dịp lễ
Khoảng thời gian từ 8 đến 10 giờ sáng hoặc từ 16 đến 17 giờ chiều là lúc ánh sáng tự nhiên đẹp nhất để ghi lại những bức ảnh tại Lễ vía Đức Chí Tôn Tây Ninh . Đây cũng là lúc lượng người tham dự chưa quá đông, phù hợp cho việc sáng tạo những khung hình ấn tượng.
Mặt tiền Đền Thánh với kiến trúc độc đáo là điểm chụp hình được nhiều người yêu thích. Ngoài ra, cổng chính với các họa tiết tinh xảo, dãy hành lang nhiều màu sắc hay sân gạch rộng phía trước cũng là những góc check-in lý tưởng. Nếu có dịp, hãy thử ghi lại toàn cảnh từ sân trước Đền Thánh để sở hữu bức ảnh bao quát không gian lễ hội.
Khi chụp ảnh, hãy luôn giữ ý thức tôn trọng không gian tôn giáo, không làm ảnh hưởng đến nghi lễ và tránh tạo dáng không phù hợp. Nhiều người cho rằng, những bức ảnh tự nhiên, ghi lại khoảnh khắc thực sự hòa mình vào không khí lễ hội, thường có sức hút riêng biệt khi lưu giữ kỷ niệm tại Lễ vía Đức Chí Tôn Tây Ninh .
5. Gợi ý kết hợp khám phá hệ sinh thái du lịch Tây Ninh
5.1. Tham quan núi Bà Đen trong mùa lễ hội
Hành trình du xuân ở Tây Ninh sẽ càng trọn vẹn nếu bạn kết hợp dự Lễ vía Đức Chí Tôn Tây Ninh với chuyến tham quan núi Bà Đen trong khu du lịch Sun World Ba Den Mountain nổi tiếng, chỉ cách Tòa thánh khoảng 10 đến 15 km.
Hệ thống cáp treo hiện đại đưa bạn lên đỉnh núi Bà Đen để thu vào tầm mắt toàn cảnh Tây Ninh. Chùa Bà cổ kính với nét linh thiêng trầm mặc cũng là điểm dừng chân đáng trải nghiệm. Không khí mát mẻ cùng cảnh quan xanh tươi của mùa xuân trên núi rất thích hợp cho chuyến dã ngoại cùng người thân. Để thuận tiện, bạn nên mua vé trước qua website chính thức để nhận giá ưu đãi và giảm thời gian chờ đợi vào dịp lễ.
Combine attending the Duc Chi Ton Veneration Ceremony in Tay Ninh with a visit to Ba Den Mountain in the Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist area.
5.2. Tay Ninh Cuisine and Specialties to Try When Attending the Ceremony
When participating in the Duc Chi Ton Veneration Ceremony in Tay Ninh, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the delicious specialty dishes of this land. Tay Ninh's sun-dried rice paper (banh trang phoi suong) with its natural sweetness and characteristic crispness is a souvenir many people choose. Tay Ninh shrimp salt is also famous for its traditional flavor, suitable for buying as a gift.
Trang Bang rice noodle soup (banh canh Trang Bang) with its clear broth, chewy noodles combined with fresh pork and shrimp creates an unforgettable flavor. Tay Ninh's young beef rolled in wild betel leaves (bo to Tay Ninh cuon la lot) represents the local culinary characteristic. Mountain snails (oc nui) with many creative preparation methods are also a highlight not to be missed on the culinary journey.
The area around the Holy See and the center of Hoa Thanh town has many reliable eateries, serving a variety of delicious dishes at reasonable prices. The recommended places will help you fully enjoy the specialty flavors when you come to the Duc Chi Ton Veneration Ceremony in Tay Ninh.
The Duc Chi Ton Veneration Ceremony in Tay Ninh is not only the most important religious event of Cao Dai but also a unique cultural destination worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. Prepare your luggage and soul to receive special spiritual moments in the Cao Dai holy land this year!
