TL;DR: The Quán Thế Âm Festival at Ngũ Hành Sơn takes place annually from the 17th to 19th of the second lunar month in Da Nang, is the city's largest Buddhist festival, recognized as national intangible cultural heritage in 2021. The festival is associated with a natural stalactite statue of Quán Thế Âm in the Quan Am cave, Kim Sơn mountain.
What is the Quán Thế Âm Festival at Ngũ Hành Sơn?
The Quán Thế Âm Festival at Ngũ Hành Sơn, also known as the Quan Am Festival, is one of the largest and most attractive Buddhist festivals in Da Nang, Vietnam. Held annually from the 17th to the 19th of the second lunar month at Hòa Hải ward, Ngũ Hành Sơn district (before July 2025), the festival is both a religious occasion to honor Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and a vibrant display of local cultural heritage. On February 3, 2021, it was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The main rituals in the Quán Thế Âm Ngũ Hành Sơn Festival according to time and meaning.
| Ritual | Time | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sutra chanting ceremony, hoisting the banner - raising the flag | Day 17 of the second lunar month | Offering to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and benevolent deities of the ten directions, praying for favorable weather, national prosperity, and peace for the people |
| Light procession ceremony | Evening of day 18 | Praying for the light of wisdom to illuminate the path for sentient beings, helping hearts and morals become pure, guiding toward good deeds |
| Quán Thế Âm Dharma altar and Dharma teaching ceremony | Throughout the three days of the festival, largest in scale on the evening of day 18 and the afternoon of day 19 | Teaching Buddhist doctrine, praising the compassion and vows of Quán Thế Âm Bodhisattva |
| Main ceremony - the anniversary of Quán Thế Âm Buddha | Day 19 of the second lunar month | Praying for national prosperity, peace for the people, and well-being for all sentient beings |
| Procession of the Quán Thế Âm Bodhisattva statue | Immediately after the main ceremony | Praying for fishermen and those who make a living on rivers and waters to be safe and favorable |
| Flower lantern Dharma altar farewell ceremony | Evening of day 19 | Giving thanks to the mountains and waters, the earth deity, and the spirits for blessing the festival with success |
Where did the Quán Thế Âm Festival originate?
The festival's origin is linked to a remarkable discovery by Venerable Thích Pháp Nhãn, the founder of Quán Thế Âm Pagoda. He found a life-size, naturally formed stalactite statue of Quán Thế Âm holding a cam lo vase in a cave on Kim Sơn mountain, part of the Ngũ Hành Sơn range. The cave was named Quan Am cave, and a pagoda was built nearby, also named Quán Thế Âm.
Over time, many pilgrims came to worship, and Buddhist leaders chose the 19th day of the second lunar month, the birth anniversary of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, as the main celebration day. A pivotal moment came on February 19, 1956, when Venerable Thích Pháp Nhãn founded the Quan Am Pho Association and organized the first large-scale festival, attracting tens of thousands of monks, nuns, and laypeople.
From 1991, the festival was expanded to three days, and since 2023, it has been organized at the city level by the Da Nang People's Committee.
What Buddhist rituals take place during the festival?
The festival is divided into two parts: rituals and festivities. The ritual part includes:
Opening Ceremony: Khai Kinh, Thuong Phan
On the first day (17th of the second lunar month), a ceremony is held to offer prayers to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for peace and prosperity.
Light Procession (Ruoc Anh Sang)
On the evening of the 18th, hundreds of participants, including monks, Buddhists, and pilgrims, form a procession with a palanquin, flower displays, music, and lion dances. The torchlight symbolizes the wish for wisdom to illuminate the path of all beings.
Dharma Talk and Meditation Sessions
Throughout the festival, especially on the evening of the 18th and afternoon of the 19th, large audiences gather to listen to teachings on Buddhist philosophy, compassion, and practical applications of the Dharma.
Main Ceremony: Le Via Đức Phật Quán Thế Âm
Held on the 19th, this is the heart of the festival. A high-ranking monk presides over prayers and incense offerings, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees, all praying for national peace and well-being.
Procession of the Bodhisattva Statue
Following the main ceremony, the statue of Quán Thế Âm is carried from Quan Am cave to Quán Thế Âm Pagoda, then placed on a boat that circles Cổ Cò river. This ritual seeks blessings for fishermen and those working on waterways.
What is the Reenactment of Bodhisattva Quán Thế Âm?
A distinctive feature is the reenactment of one of the 32 manifestations of Avalokitesvara each year, such as Thousand-Armed Quan Am or White Robe Quan Am. A virtuous female Buddhist devotee is chosen to portray the Bodhisattva. She undergoes 6-8 months of training in meditation, posture, and the Bodhisattva's vows, including three months of vegetarianism before the festival.
Closing Ceremony: Ta Phat Dan Hoa Dang
On the evening of the 19th, a thanksgiving ceremony is held, and lotus-shaped lanterns are released on the river, symbolizing the eternity of wisdom.
What happens during the festival's folk festivities?
Interspersed with Buddhist rituals are local traditions honoring ancestors and craftsmen, including ceremonies for Princess Huyền Trân and the founding master of the Non Nước stone carving craft. The festive part features folk games, Bai choi singing, tuong opera, calligraphy demonstrations, boat races, and lion dances.
What is the heritage value of the Quán Thế Âm Festival today?
The festival embodies the fusion of Buddhist and traditional Vietnamese culture, linked to the special national heritage site of Ngũ Hành Sơn. It meets the spiritual needs of the community, promotes goodness, and strengthens social cohesion. Attracting thousands of visitors annually, the festival significantly promotes Da Nang's tourism and cultural identity.
