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Thursday 24/05/2012 19:05:07
Giam pagoda festival
Nghiem Quang tu, common people used to call it Giam pagoda, was in An Trang commune, in Tran dynasty it belonged to Thien Tai district, in Le and Nguyen dynasty it belonged to Luong Tai district, Thuan An district. At the end of 19th century, it belonged to Cam Giang district. Since 1955, it belonged to Cam Son commune.

             The legend has it that Nghiem Quang pagoda was built in Ly dynasty, at the end of 17th century the pagoda was upgraded on a large scale. The construction's layout was axis shape with western direction including three door temple gate, forecourt, three refuges. On the two sides were corridors, on the left was Giam temple. These constructions were built meticulously with high artistic value. Although they were destroyed by the war but until now the main constructions still exist such as:forecourt, three refuges, Giam temple. Therefore, they were ranked in 1974. In 1971 due to the requirement of flow liberation, Cam Son commune had to move to a new place, 7km away from the old one to the west. Giam pagoda was permitted by the state to move to a new place, upgraded and looked towards the southern direction. This was a wonder of local people and cultural department.

            Giam pagoda, Bia Temple and Xua Temple were the three relics which had close relation with the life and career of the famous physician Tue Tinh. Giam pagoda festival was a form of the commemoration of this famous physician.

             Giam pagod festival was not held on a large scale prior to the Revolution. It was only at village and commune level. Only after it was ranked and the role of Tue Tinh was enhanced did the festival become larger. In 2001, the festival was held on national scale. The festival was held by the Health Ministry, Vietnam oriental Medicine Association and local authorities.

            Since moving to a new place, the festival was held for 3 days from 13 to 15 February. Although it was held for 3 days but preparation must be made for months. Organisational committee was directly managed by people's committee of the commune. On 13th January, Tue Tinh statue was brought from the pagoda to the temple, placed at the middle apartment. The procedures were very formal and in accordance with traditional rituals. Tens of thousands of people from all over the country came to the festival. Shops and inns fully occupied two sides of the communal road. In the hall and pagoda yard, folk games were held during 3 days and nights.

             14 February was an important day, it was often rainy. In the morning, offerings for  the famous physician was conducted in the temple. Participants included 17 elderly people who had offering ability, had prestige and good appearance. After the offerings was the procession. It was often very crowded, there were many teams. The first was kylin team, res

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License No. 91/GP-TTDT published on 9-9-2008. Chief: Nguyen Hai Binh
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