Every year in the ninth lunar month, locals and visitors from across the country eagerly gather at Keo Pagoda in Hanh Thien Village, Xuan Hong Commune, Ninh Binh Province, to take part in the Keo Pagoda Festival—one of the region’s most prominent traditional events, deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural identity of the Northern Delta.
In 2025, the festival will take place from October 30 to November 4, 2025 (the 10th to 15th days of the ninth lunar month), coinciding with the 1,009th anniversary of the birth of Zen Master Duong Khong Lo (1016 - 2025). The event promises a vibrant celebration filled with rich cultural and tourism experiences.
Nestled along the tranquil Ninh Co River, Keo Pagoda Hanh Thien is renowned for its ancient wooden architecture and peaceful ambiance. The pagoda is closely associated with the life and teachings of Zen Master Duong Khong Lo - a revered monk of the Ly Dynasty, honored as Duc Thanh To (the Holy Patriarch). He was instrumental in spreading Buddhism and teaching traditional crafts such as bronze casting and salt making.
Beyond its religious significance, the Keo Pagoda Festival has become a major cultural and tourism attraction. The opening ceremony will be held on October 30, 2025, at the Keo Pagoda Hanh Thien Special National Heritage Site, marking the 1,009th birth anniversary of Zen Master Duong Khong Lo. On November 1, 2025, visitors can witness the traditional palanquin procession, boat racing competitions, and the “Journey to the Land of Heritage” art performance, which recreates the cultural essence of the Northern Delta through music, dance, and traditional art forms.
Throughout the festival, visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in solemn rituals such as the palanquin procession, offering ceremonies, reading of sacred texts, and incense offerings in honor of the Holy Patriarch. A highlight of the celebration is the night procession on the 14th day of the ninth lunar month, a symbolic reenactment of the legend in which the Holy Patriarch appears to bless the people - a sacred ritual eagerly anticipated by both locals and tourists.
In addition to its spiritual aspects, the festival’s festive section bursts with energy and color. Visitors can enjoy a variety of folk games and competitions, including boat racing, human chess, lion dances, and duck-catching contests. The boat racing event on the Ninh Co River stands out as a vivid display of local vitality, teamwork, and the martial spirit of the riverine communities. The rhythmic drumbeats, cheers of the crowd, and fluttering festival flags create a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.
The Keo Pagoda Hanh Thien Festival is not only a meaningful cultural and historical event but also an opportunity for visitors to experience Vietnam’s traditional festive spirit and explore the charm of this ancient pagoda. More than just a local celebration, it serves as a vibrant showcase of Ninh Binh’s heritage—a land where culture, history, and spirituality converge, leaving lasting impressions on travelers from near and far.