Tribute To National Heroes Thien Ho Vo Duy Duong And Doc Binh Nguyen Tan Kieu

(DTO) From January 2 to 4, 2026 (the 14th to 16th day of the 11th lunar month), streams of people from across the province and beyond flocked to the Go Thap Special National Relic Site (Doc Binh Kieu Commune, Dong Thap Province). 

They gathered to attend the 159th Commemoration of Thien Ho Duong and Doc Binh Kieu with profound respect and gratitude for the two national heroes' immense contributions to the struggle against foreign invaders and the protection of the homeland.

A SOLEMN COMMEMORATION

Thien Ho Vo Duy Duong and Doc Binh Nguyen Tan Kieu were prominent leaders of the anti-French resistance movement in Southern Vietnam in the late 19th century. Choosing the harsh and treacherous Dong Thap Muoi region as their resistance base, they raised the banner of patriotism, placed the people at the center, and left shining examples of unwavering courage and indomitable spirit.

Out of deep admiration, the people of Go Thap have maintained the worship and organized the commemoration for over 150 years. 

This annual event has become an indispensable traditional festival in the spiritual and cultural life of the local people, where they pray for bumper harvests, favorable weather, and national peace and prosperity.

Following tradition, this year's ceremony was solemnly organized by the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, consisting of two parts: the Rituals and the Festival.

The ritual part was conducted by the Organizing Committee in coordination with the Go Thap Worship Board, following traditional folk cultural and religious ceremonies. The festival part featured various unique and engaging cultural and artistic activities.

To ensure the success of the Commemoration, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, along with the Provincial Relic Management Board, undertook meticulous preparations.

Mr. Le Dinh Lang, Vice Director of the Provincial Relic Management Board, stated: "We coordinated with the Go Thap Worship Board to conduct a general cleanup, ensuring the Special National Relic Site remains green, clean, and beautiful. Festive decorations and flower arrangements were placed from the entrance to welcome visitors."

The worship spaces dedicated to Thien Ho Vo Duy Duong and Doc Binh Nguyen Tan Kieu were vibrantly decorated to serve the public coming to pay their respects and offer incense. Significant focus was placed on maintaining public order and traffic flow regulation to ensure safety for pilgrims during their visit and ritual practices.

From early morning on January 2, 2026, large crowds of local residents and pilgrims from across the region arrived at the Go Thap Special National Relic Site. They brought flowers and offerings to pay tribute to the two national heroes with profound reverence.

Alongside their tribute, local residents and pilgrims also send their wishes and prayers for family peace, national prosperity, and bountiful harvests.

Attending the annual commemoration has become a spiritual cultural tradition for the people of Dong Thap. Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet (born 1950), a resident of Ward 1, Cao Lanh City, shared: "Every year, my neighbors and I come here to attend the ceremony. First, to pay our respects and offer incense to the two heroes, and then to pray for national peace and my family's health. Each time, I bring my grandchildren along so they can understand our historical traditions and roots, thereby fostering their love and pride for our homeland."

Beyond showing respect with incense, many people from various places have volunteered to join hands in cooking vegetarian meals, wrapping "Banh Tet" (Vietnamese Cylindrical Glutinous Rice Cake) and "Banh It" (Vietnamese traditional sticky rice cakes) to offer to the two heroes.

Sitting by a glowing hearth, Ms. Le Thi Be Suong (66 years old), from Thap Muoi District, confided: "Every year, as the commemoration approaches, we prepare banana leaves, glutinous rice, flour, beans, and coconuts to wrap the cakes. This activity receives support from many women both inside and outside the commune, who contribute either money or labor. 

This year, we organized the wrapping of over 800 Banh Tet and more than 1,000 Banh It. Though the work is hard, everyone is enthusiastic, hoping to create the most delicious cakes to offer to the two gentlemen as a sign of our deep respect and gratitude."

Alongside the public's tribute to the two national heroes, a highlight of this year's commemoration was the solemn ceremony to receive the National Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition.

On June 27, 2025, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism decided to include the "Commemoration of Thien Ho Duong and Doc Binh Kieu" and the "Ba Chua Xu Go Thap Festival" in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Huynh Minh Tuan stated: "This is a worthy recognition by the Party and the State of the typical cultural values of Dong Thap province. It is a shared honor and pride for the provincial Party, government, and people.

It also carries a great responsibility in preserving and promoting heritage values, ensuring that heritage truly becomes a spiritual resource and a driving force for sustainable development".

A VARIETY OF ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

Beyond the formal rituals, the festival portion of the Commemoration was organized with great vibrancy. A standout feature was the screening of films depicting the lives and careers of Thien Ho Vo Duy Duong and Doc Binh Nguyen Tan Kieu, organized by units under the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Additionally, a photo exhibition showcasing National Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritages was held at the Go Thap Special National Relic Site for visitors to explore.

Furthermore, the Provincial Relic Management Board created several beautiful decorative landscapes, such as the "Spring 2026 – Go Thap Countryside Corner" and floral boats. Other activities included calligraphy performances, clothing stalls, and a food court, providing diverse options for visitors to sightsee, take photos, and shop.

Residents and tourists also enjoyed artistic performances at the Don Ca Tai Tu Exchange Space, organized by the Provincial Arts and Culture Center. The program featured various folk songs, Ho Dong Thap (Dong Thap chanting), and Cai Luong (reformed opera) performances praising the Party, Uncle Ho, the homeland, and the profound bonds between the people and the Land of the Pink Lotus.

In addition, visitors enjoyed lion dances, rhythmic gymnastics, martial arts, and participated in folk games such as "Dap heo dat" (smashing clay pots) , “Nhay sap” (bamboo dancing) and "Co ca ro" (Gomoku).

The kindness of the Dong Thap people towards pilgrims was also vividly expressed through free food and drinks. Numerous volunteer groups and individuals from within and outside the province cooked thousands of vegetarian meals, "Banh Xeo" (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) and provided refreshing drinks throughout the festival. 

These simple yet meaningful offerings reflect the generous spirit and hospitality of Dong Thap people.

These activities have significantly contributed to promoting the culture and people of Dong Thap, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. 

Ms. Le Thi Kim Thuy (born 1982) from Ho Chi Minh City shared: "This is my first time attending the festival. I am impressed by the vibrant organization, the rural-themed landscapes that evoke childhood memories, and especially the authentic local flavors of Dong Thap."

Each year, the Go Thap Special National Relic Site hosts two major festivals: the Commemoration of Thien Ho Duong and Doc Binh Kieu (14th-16th of the 11th lunar month) and the Ba Chua Xu Go Thap Festival (14th-16th of the 3rd lunar month). 

These traditional festivals serve as community bonds, meeting the spiritual and cultural needs of the people.

The inclusion of these two festivals in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list has contributed to preserving and promoting traditional values, honoring the province's heritage, and showcasing the unique cultural identity and tourism potential of the Go Thap Special National Relic Site.

Vice Chairman Huynh Minh Tuan stated : “In the coming time, Dong Thap Province commits to continuing the effective management, preservation, and promotion of Go Thap's National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This will be integrated with preserving traditions, providing historical education, developing sustainable tourism, and building the character of Dong Thap people to be compassionate, dynamic, and creative”.

 By MY XUYEN
Translated by X.QUANG