Ninh Binh (VNA) – The Bai DinhPagoda Festival kicked off in Gia Vien district of the northern mountainous provinceof Ninh Binh on January 30, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh beatthe drum to kick-start the festival, with delegates and dignitaries praying forpeace, prosperity, favourable weather and good crops.

In addition, palanquin processions wereheld in honour of the Mountain God, Consecrated Nguyen, and the Mother Goddessof the Forest.

This has been the sixth edition of theannual festival since Trang An Landscape Complex in the locality was recognisedas the World Cultural And Natural Heritage Site by the United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The ancient Bai Dinh pagoda (Bai Dinh CoTu), built thousands of years ago, is located on Bai Dinh Mountain and liesabout 800m from the Tam The temple of the new Bai Dinh pagoda area.

According to the Vietnamese concept, theancient Bai Dinh pagoda is located on an area regarded as a sacred land givenit is the birth place of the eminent figures of the nation, including kings,saints and divinities.

The festival will take place until the endof the third lunar month./.