Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival: Origin and Significance to the Island Dwellers

The Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival is a traditional festival of the people of Phu Quoc, expressing their gratitude towards Mrs. Le Kim Dinh, the wife of national hero Nguyen Trung Truc.

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The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival is a traditional festival of the people of Phu Quoc, held on the 18th and 19th of January every year in the lunar calendar. The festival is an occasion for the people of Phu Quoc to express their gratitude to Ms. Le Kim Dinh, wife of the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc. Let us learn more about the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival in today’s article!

1 Introduction to the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

Origin of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

According to legend, Ms. Le Kim Dinh was a beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate woman. She always stood by her husband in the struggle against the French colonialists. She also helped her husband raise their children and take care of the family.

In 1868, Nguyen Trung Truc was captured and executed by the French invaders. Ms. Le Kim Dinh was also captured and brutally tortured by the French. She endured the torment bravely and ultimately sacrificed her life in prison.

After Ms. Le Kim Dinh passed away, the people of Phu Quoc built a temple to worship her in Ong Lang village, a small fishing village about 7km from the center of Duong Dong town. The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival is held annually to commemorate her contributions and seek her protection for the village.

Significance of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival is a traditional festival of the residents living on the pearl island of Phu Quoc. The festival takes place annually on the 16th day of the 2nd lunar month to honor Ms. Le Kim Dinh, the wife of the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc.

Introduction to the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festivalIntroduction to the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

2 Rituals of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

The rituals of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival are held over two days, the 15th and 16th of the 2nd lunar month. The main rituals of the festival include:

  • Procession of the palanquin: This is the most important ritual of the festival. The palanquin is carried from the Nguyen Trung Truc ancestral temple to the Dinh Ba Ong Lang temple. The procession includes lion and dragon dances, flag teams, drum teams, horn teams, male and female escort teams.
  • Deity worship and offering of incense: After the palanquin procession, there is a deity worship ceremony and offering of incense. The deity worship ceremony takes place in the precinct of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang temple. The offering of incense is performed at various ancestral shrines in the village.

Rituals of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festivalRituals of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

3 Exciting activities in the festival area of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

  • Boat racing festival: This is one of the most unique cultural activities of the festival. The boat racing festival attracts a large number of local residents and tourists to participate.
  • Lantern releasing ceremony: The lantern releasing ceremony takes place in the evening of the 16th day of the 2nd lunar month. It is an occasion for the people of Phu Quoc to pray for a peaceful and happy new year.

In addition, within the framework of the festival, there are other cultural activities such as:

  • Culinary contest
  • Bai Choi singing contest
  • Tug of war competition
  • Wrestling competition

Exciting activities in the festival area of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festivalExciting activities in the festival area of the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

4 Tips for attending the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

If you have the opportunity to visit Phu Quoc during this festival, here are some tips for a complete trip:

  • Wear appropriate attire: The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival is a traditional festival, so dress modestly and respectfully. If you want to participate in cultural activities such as the palanquin procession, boat racing festival, etc., it is recommended to wear sports shoes or sandals for ease of movement.
  • Learn about the festival schedule: The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival is held over two days, the 15th and 16th of the 2nd lunar month. It is advisable to learn about the festival schedule to not miss out on the unique cultural activities.
  • Arrive early to participate in the activities: The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival attracts a large number of local residents and visitors. It is recommended to arrive early to participate in the cultural activities and avoid overcrowding and pushing.
  • Be cautious with personal belongings: The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival takes place in a large space with a dense crowd. It is advisable to be cautious with personal belongings such as phones, cameras, to avoid theft.
  • Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere: The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival is an occasion for the people of Phu Quoc to express gratitude to Ms. Le Kim Dinh and pray for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy life for the village. Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere and pray for good things to come to yourself and your family.

Tips for attending the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festivalTips for attending the Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival

The Dinh Ba Ong Lang festival is a unique traditional cultural festival of Phu Quoc. The festival is an occasion for the people of Phu Quoc to express their gratitude to Ms. Le Kim Dinh and pray for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy life for the village.

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Frequently asked questions

The Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival is a traditional festival held annually in An Giang Province, Vietnam. It takes place at the foot of Sam Mountain in Chau Doc City, at the Ba Ong Lang Temple.

The festival is held on the 15th and 16th of April in the lunar calendar, and it lasts for two days.

The festival originated as a way to honor and show gratitude to the ‘Ong Lang’ or ‘Lord of the Garden’. According to legend, Ong Lang was a generous and kind man who helped the local people cultivate their land and grow their crops. The festival is significant to the island dwellers as it is a time to pray for peace, good weather, and a prosperous harvest.

The festival features a unique combination of rituals and entertainment. It includes offerings to Ong Lang, such as fruits, cakes, and incense, as well as traditional rituals performed by local residents. There are also cultural performances, folk games, and boat races that add to the festive atmosphere.

The festival is participated in by local residents, fishermen, farmers, and people from all walks of life. It is an important event that promotes community cohesion and preserves the cultural traditions of the region. The festival also attracts tourists, contributing to the local economy and promoting the unique culture of An Giang Province.