According to Tran Le Doai, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Dinh Province, the special national monument area of Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is an ancient and unique architectural work dating back from the Ly dynasty. Recognising as a national intangible cultural heritage will contribute to raising the historical, cultural and artistic value of Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda, he added.
The Vice Chairman of Nam Dinh People's Committee asked local functional agencies to continue researching and inventorying historical documents of the festival associated with traditional practices, rituals and space. At the same time, strengthening the state management of preserving, protecting and promoting the good values of the festival to become an attractive tourist attraction, contributing to the development of local tourism.
Keo Hanh Thien pagoda is located in Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province. This is one of the most ancient pagodas in Vietnam whose architecture has been preserved intact over its 400 year-old history.
The area of the pagoda is spacious and situated to proudly exhibit the fine craftsmanship of the old architecture. It contains 13 roomy shrines with 121 sections harmonious reflecting in the lake. Both sides of the lane are tiled with brick.
Legend has it that the pagoda was originally built in bronze by Duong Khong Lo along the bank of Red River in 1061 during the Ly Thanh Tong Dynasty in Giao Thuy, Ha Thanh (Giao Thuy district, Nam Dinh province now).
The Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Festival 2019 runs until October 14.
