On the morning of March 18, the Official Ceremony (Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) took place with great reverence at Quan The Am Pagoda as part of the Quan The Am Festival at the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) 2025. This profound event gathered thousands of venerable monks, nuns, Buddhist followers, and visitors from all walks of life. Dignitaries such as Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Dinh Vinh, Chairman of the Da Nang Fatherland Front Committee Le Van Trung, and Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Council Doan Ngoc Hung Anh, along with many esteemed delegates and local leaders, were present to witness this momentous occasion.
In his heartfelt opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Hoa, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ngu Hanh Son District, highlighted the evolution of the ceremony from its origins as a pure Buddhist event honoring the compassion and mercy of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva into a vibrant traditional folk festival, deeply infused with the spirit of Buddhist devotion.
The Official Ceremony (Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) resonated with the fervor and dedication of the thousands gathered, each contributing to the tapestry of faith and celebration.
The image of the Bodhisattva embodies the essence of a compassionate Mother whose profound vow is to protect and liberate all sentient beings.
This festival is not only a monumental spiritual celebration but also a source of pride for the people of Da Nang, playing a vital role in preserving and passing down invaluable cultural heritage through generations.
Rooted in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Marble Mountains – a Special National Site and nature’s priceless gift – the Quan The Am Festival has evolved into a grand celebration featuring diverse activities catering to Buddhist devotees’ spiritual yearnings while captivating numerous tourists.
This year’s festival is particularly special as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Da Nang and the country’s Reunification. This historical milestone adds a deeper layer of significance and resonance to the event, instilling a sense of pride and connection among the participants.
Local delegates and leaders attend the Commemoration Ceremony of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
Joining the festival offers local people and visitors a unique chance to immerse themselves in a profound spiritual and cultural environment. Here, they can experience sacred Buddhist rituals alongside a vibrant array of cultural, artistic, and sports activities.
This occasion honors the community’s rich cultural and historical values while embodying the spirit of national solidarity and the harmonious relationship between Dharma and daily life. It inspires compassion and moral upliftment, contributing to a brighter, better world.
Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ngu Hanh Son District Nguyen Hoa delivers the opening speech.
The Quan The Am Festival serves as a vital bridge for cultural exchange, fostering friendships not only within the Vietnamese Buddhist community but also with nations that share a similar Buddhist heritage. The Bodhisattva Transformation Ritual, alongside the procession of the sacred statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, draws eager anticipation from both locals and visitors, making everyone feel included and part of a larger, global community.
This transformation represents a powerful reenactment of Avalokitesvara’s compassionate essence, inviting all beings to witness and honor her virtues. It beautifully conveys that the Bodhisattva is ever-present, guiding sentient beings and spreading her compassionate vow to bring joy and alleviate suffering throughout humanity.
Participants in the festival, in addition to embodying Avalokitesvara, also transform into Little Attendants, other Bodhisattvas, Celestial Maidens, and the Four Heavenly Kings. This diverse representation showcases the unity and dedication of Buddhist families from Quan The Am Pagoda, inspiring a sense of connection and shared purpose among the audience.
Reenactment of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Offering of flowers to the Buddha
Mr. Nguyen Hoa, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ngu Hanh Son District, shared his heartfelt aspiration to unite the collective support and contributions of venerable monastics, nuns, lay Buddhists, and all citizens in the effort to create a festival space that embodies dignity, civilization, and meaning, genuinely reflecting the rich cultural values and potential of the sacred land of Ngu Hanh Son. During the ceremony, delegates joyfully engaged in the Ritual of Releasing Peace Balloons and participated in traditional rites that expressed their love and devotion to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, alongside heartfelt prayers for national peace and the well-being of all people.
Peace balloon release Ritual
The Quan The Am Festival 2025 at the Marble Mountains will continue until March 19 (the 20th day of the 2nd lunar month). It will showcase a vibrant array of cultural and artistic events that promise to inspire and enrich the experiences of both locals and visitors.
DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION
