Quick Facts
| Data Field (Title) | Content | Icon/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese Name | Lễ hội Lăng Lê Văn Duyệt (or Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu Festival) | Translated as the Tomb of Lê Văn Duyệt Festival. |
| Honoree | Marshal Lê Văn Duyệt (1764-1832) | A distinguished General and Governor-General (Tổng trấn) of Gia Định (Southern Vietnam) during the Nguyễn Dynasty. |
| Location | Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City. | A National Historical and Cultural Site. |
| Primary Festival | Commemoration of his Death Anniversary (Lễ Giỗ) | Held annually over three to four days. |
| Timing | 29th, 30th of the 7th and 1st, 2nd of the 8th Lunar Month. | Typically falls in late August or early September of the Gregorian calendar. |
I. Overview: Honoring a Southern Hero
The Lê Văn Duyệt Tomb Festival is one of the most significant and solemn cultural events in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting thousands of pilgrims and locals annually. The festival honors Marshal Lê Văn Duyệt, a figure revered in Southern Vietnam for his crucial contributions to the development, stability, and defense of the region (Gia Định Citadel) in the early 19th century.
Worshippers view him as a protective deity and a symbol of integrity. The festival serves as a powerful reminder of Southern Vietnam’s rich history and its tradition of honoring those who built and protected the land.
II. The Significance of Lê Văn Duyệt
Lê Văn Duyệt was not only a brilliant military strategist who helped establish the Nguyễn Dynasty but was also celebrated for his just and prosperous governance of the South.
Reverence: Despite posthumous political conflicts with Emperor Minh Mạng, the local people continued to venerate him, maintaining his tomb (known affectionately as Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu – “Tomb of the Marshal in Bà Chiểu”).
Patron Saint: He is often sought out by worshippers, including business people and officials, who pray for success, prosperity, and peace, underscoring his lasting spiritual influence.
III. Major Festival Activities
The festival is characterized by elaborate, traditional court-style rituals blended with vibrant folk performances.
1. Commemoration Ceremony (Lễ Giỗ)
Solemn Rituals: The main days of the festival feature solemn rituals, including incense and flower offerings, and traditional ceremonies that follow the protocols of a minor court level during the Nguyễn Dynasty.
Prostration Ceremony: Worshippers engage in traditional prostration rituals to pay their deep respects to the Marshal and his wife.
2. Cultural and Artistic Performances
Hát Bội (Vietnamese Classical Opera): The most anticipated performance is the Hát Bội, as it was reportedly Marshal Lê Văn Duyệt’s favorite art form. These elaborate, costumed operas are performed to honor his spirit.
Traditional Arts: The festival often features displays of traditional Vietnamese art, lion and dragon dances, and folk games, adding a lively element to the otherwise serious proceedings.
3. Khai Hạ – Cầu An Ceremony (The Peace-Praying Festival)
Secondary Event: An additional, significant ceremony known as Khai Hạ – Cầu An (Summer Opening – Praying for Peace) is held annually around the 7th day of the 1st Lunar Month (shortly after Tết).
Purpose: This event embodies the community’s hopes for abundant rain, peaceful winds, and prosperity for the new year, further demonstrating the Marshal’s role as a benevolent guardian.
IV. The Lăng Ông Architecture
The site itself is a national relic and a key part of the experience. The architecture blends traditional Huế Imperial style with unique Southern Vietnamese elements, featuring:
Intricate Details: Ornate woodwork, calligraphic couplets, and roofs adorned with colorful ceramic mosaics depicting dragons and fantastical creatures.
The Tomb: The resting place of the Marshal and his wife, built in an egg-like shape and surrounded by a brick wall and a spacious courtyard.
Tip for Visitors: Due to the sacred nature of the site and the historical significance of the person being honored, visitors are advised to dress modestly and maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor during their visit.