The area where calligraphers write petitions was crowded with visitors at the beginning of the year. Petitions were pre-printed, with the calligraphers adding the petitioner's name and age in Nom script as requested.

Despite the drizzle today in Hanoi, people bustled into Phu Tay Ho (Tay Ho ward) to perform their rituals. The number of visitors surged at noon, during office lunch breaks. Many employees used this time to visit temples at the beginning of the year, praying for health and peace for themselves and their families.

Xuan Dieu Street, located about 1,5 km from the temple, was packed with vehicles heading to offer incense. At intersections with Quang An Street and Dang Thai Mai Street, authorities set up barricades, rerouted traffic, and prohibited vehicles from passing through the temple gate area to ensure security and order.

Due to overcrowding, many people could not enter the inner area and had to place their offerings on the iron shelves outside.

The area designated for preparing offerings was fully occupied, prompting management to arrange additional tables in the courtyard to serve visitors.

Each offering tray costs between 200,000 and 300,000 VND, typically including votive paper money, fresh flowers, and various fruits. Due to the large crowd, individuals making offerings had to carefully arrange their items, carrying trays high above their heads to avoid collisions and spills while moving through the throng.

Around 10:50 a.m., crowds poured into the area of Phu Tay Ho and Kim Nguu Temple, filling all pathways.

About 7 km away, Chua Ha (Cau Giay ward) is a familiar destination for many, especially young people seeking romantic fortune. Many visitors prepare pre-printed prayer texts, only needing to fill in their name, age, and address before making offerings.

People queued in long lines, waiting for their turn to enter the room to draw fortune sticks and receive blessings for the new year.

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{"caption_all":"Chua Quan Su (Cua Nam ward) is a popular choice for many due to its central location and spacious, well-maintained environment. In 2025, the pagoda will be the third location to welcome the Buddha's Relics within the framework of the United Nations Vesak Grand Celebration.nnPeople offered incense at the one statue in the pagoda, where a wax figure of the Venerable Thich Thanh Tu is displayed. The artwork, created over one year, realistically recreates every detail, such as wrinkles, hand veins, and age spots, making it closely resemble the real person.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

Pham Dinh Nam, 23, from Dan Phuong commune, explained that his company held its year-end party in the morning, with each department sending representatives to offer incense and prayers for wealth and health. This marks Nam's first time visiting a pagoda with his company. In addition to Chua Quan Su, his company's group also visited two other temples and pagodas in Hanoi.

Mai Anh (center), from Me Tri ward, stated that her company's spring opening event mainly involved exchanging Tet greetings, with work not yet starting. Afterward, she joined her boss and colleagues in visiting pagodas, including Chua Ha.

"This year's fortune stick tells me I will have good news in love," Mai Anh said.

The area for burning votive paper money within Chua Ha’s grounds was always full, with the pagoda staff continuously removing ashes to facilitate visitors' burning rituals and prayers for good luck.

Hoang Giang