The Keo Pagoda Hanh Thien Festival is a deeply significant cultural and spiritual event, held to commemorate the 1,009th anniversary of the birth of the Great Monk Duong Minh Nghiem—known by his religious name, Quoc su Khong Lo (1016–2025). Revered as “Duc Thanh To,” the Holy Patriarch, Khong Lo was a virtuous and talented national teacher of the Ly Dynasty, credited with spreading Buddhism, guiding people toward goodness, and helping to build a peaceful and prosperous society.
Keo Pagoda Hanh Thien, the venue for the festival, is an ancient architectural masterpiece regarded as the “spiritual soul” of Ninh Binh’s cultural landscape. The pagoda is dedicated to Quoc su Khong Lo and carries a unique story: for generations, it has had no resident abbot, yet its sacred atmosphere and quiet dignity have been preserved through time. Together with Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh, Keo Pagoda Hanh Thien stands as a vivid testament to the harmony between religion, folk beliefs, and local culture that reflecting the deep respect of the people for the legendary national teacher.
The festival will officially open at 9:00 a.m. on October 30, 2025 (the 10th day of the ninth lunar month) in Xuan Hong Commune, Ninh Binh Province. The solemn opening ceremony marks the beginning of a six-day series of cultural and spiritual activities. The highlight day, November 1, 2025 (the 12th day of the ninth lunar month), will feature the first traditional palanquin procession and the famous Standing Boat Racing Competition - a unique folk sport found only in the Hanh Thien region.
A key attraction of the festival is the Standing Boat Race, an ancient sport closely tied to the river culture of local residents. Unlike ordinary boat races, participants must stand and row throughout the entire course without substitution, demonstrating exceptional endurance, dexterity, and teamwork. The sight of boats gliding swiftly across the water amid cheers and drumbeats from both riverbanks creates a scene that is both sacred and exhilarating.
On November 4, 2025 (the 15th day of the ninth lunar month), the festival will conclude with the second palanquin procession and the final round of the Standing Boat Race. Throughout the event, visitors can also enjoy a range of traditional folk games such as tug of war, blindfolded goat catching, shuttlecock throwing, and swing contests, all adding to the festive and joyful atmosphere.
The Keo Pagoda Hanh Thien Festival is not only an occasion for pilgrims and visitors to honor the virtues and legacy of Quoc su Khong Lo but also a meaningful effort to preserve and promote Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage. Through each ritual procession and rhythmic drumbeat, the people of Ninh Binh reconnect with the rich cultural memories of their ancestors, where faith and life intertwine, and folk beliefs stand as living symbols of the region’s enduring history.