The Ponagar Temple Festival 2016 opened at Ponagar Temple on April 27 (lunar March 21st) by Khanh Hoa Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Present at the opening ceremony were Nguyen Dac Tai, Deputy Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee; Le Xuan Than, Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Council, authorities together with pilgrims in and outside the province.
The Ponagar Temple Festival 2016 opened at Ponagar Temple on April 27 (lunar March 21st) by Khanh Hoa Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Present at the opening ceremony were Nguyen Dac Tai, Deputy Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee; Le Xuan Than, Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Council, authorities together with pilgrims in and outside the province.
The Ponagar Temple Festival is held annually in lunar March 21-23 in order to express gratitude to Thien Y Ana Goddess (Po Inu Nagar) who is credited with teaching people to grow rice, weave fabric, etc.
According to the organization board, this year’s festival attracts more than 100 groups of pilgrims; around 70,000 people are expected to visit Ponagar Temple during the festival.
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| Representatives and pilgrims at Ponagar Temple Festival 2016 |
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| Nguyen Dac Tai beating drum at festival’s opening ceremony. |
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| Offerings to give to Thien Y A Na Holy Mother. |
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| Khanh Hoa Province’s leaders burning incense at main tower. |
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| Offerings of Cham people. |
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| Pilgrims praying. |
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| Pilgrims waiting to thurify. |
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| Cham artisan performing pottery making. |
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| Many tourists join Ponagar Temple Festival 2016. |
X.T
Translated by H.N
