⏰Time: From August 23rd to 25th, 2023

📍Location: 352 Chi Lang (Hue City), Hue Nam Temple and Hai Cat Village Communal House

The Hue Nam Temple Festival (or Hon Chen Festival) is a traditional event with cultural and spiritual elements honoring the Holy Mother Thien Y A Na, celebrated in the 3rd and 7th months of the lunar year. This vibrant and lively event attracts a large number of worshippers who follow the Mau cult, drawing tens of thousands of participants. It's also recognized as a folk cultural festival, emblematic of the ancient capital region.

The July lunar month Hue Nam Temple Festival is one of the activities during the Autumn Festival and is part of Hue Festival 2023. The festival aims to preserve and promote cultural values and heritage linked to historical sites. Furthermore, it caters to the spiritual needs of the community who practice the Three Palaces Mother worship – a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity recognized by UNESCO.

The Department of Culture and Sports of Thua Thien Hue Province revealed that this year, the July lunar month Hue Nam Temple Festival is scheduled to take place over three days from August 23rd to 25th (corresponding to the 8th to 10th day of the 7th lunar month) at 352 Chi Lang (Hue City), Dien Hue Nam, and Hai Cat Village Communal House, with an estimated attendance of around 25,000 people.

The festival will feature various activities, including: A Procession from 352 Chi Lang to move to Dien Hue Nam, a Procession from dragon boats to Chanh Dien Hue Nam, Opening Ceremony and Announcement Ritual on August 23rd; Main Worship Ceremony and Prayers for National Prosperity and Peace, Pilgrimage of Believers, Procession of Holy Mother and Four Palaces Council to participate in the ceremonial worship at Hai Cat Village Communal House. Festival activities at the Hai Cat Village Communal House on August 24th; Main Worship Ceremony at Hai Cat Village Communal House, returning to Hue Nam Temple, Thanksgiving Ceremony and Closing Ceremony at Hue Nam Temple on August 25th.

The festival takes place at various locations:

Thien Tien Holy Church (352 Chi Lang Street, Gia Hoi Ward, Hue City),
Hue Nam Palace Historical Site (Hon Chen Palace) in Huong Tho Commune, Hue City,
Hai Cat Village Communal House in Huong Tho Commune, Hue City.
The festival features numerous unique activities that showcase the rich cultural and folk traditions and religious beliefs related to the worship of the Tam Phu goddesses. The schedule is as follows:

✍ On August 23, 2023 (corresponding to the 8th day of the 7th lunar month):

06:30 AM: Procession from 352 Chi Lang Street to Hue Nam Palace.
12:00 PM: The Management Board of Hue Nam Palace receives the site and performs the consecration rituals.
01:00 PM: Procession by boat to Chanh Dien Hue Nam Temple.
01:30 PM - 03:00 PM: Festival opening, Cao Yet ceremony.
07:00 PM: Prayer ceremony.
✍ On August 24, 2023 (corresponding to the 9th day of the 7th lunar month):

05:00 AM: Main offering ceremony and prayer for the nation's prosperity and people's safety.
07:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Religious followers' pilgrimage.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM: Procession of Holy Mother and the Four Palaces Council to Hai Cat Village Communal House for ritual offerings. Traditional festival activities continue in this area.
✍ On August 25, 2023 (corresponding to the 10th day of the 7th lunar month):

05:00 AM: Main offering ceremony at Hai Cat Village Communal House.
08:00 AM: Return procession to Hue Nam Palace.
09:30 AM: Thanksgiving ceremony and festival closing at Hue Nam Temple.
The Hue Nam Temple Festival is a significant cultural and religious event for the people of Hue. The festival not only contributes to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values but also offers an opportunity for visitors to explore the spiritual and cultural beauty of Hue.