These activities are part of a series of events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2) and the Vu Lan festival (Wandering Souls' Day).
The "Ba Den Mountain - An enduring epic" exhibition, open since August 27, displays photographs and artifacts related to Ba Den Mountain's history. It is divided into five sections, each representing a different historical period: Ba Den Mountain before the Communist Party, after the Party's establishment, during the resistance against the French, the American War, and present-day Ba Den Mountain.
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A photo capturing the moment the liberation flag flew atop Ba Den Mountain on 6/1/1975 will be displayed at the exhibition, from August 27 to September 2. Photo: Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area |
A photo capturing the moment the liberation flag flew atop Ba Den Mountain on 6/1/1975 will be displayed at the exhibition, from August 27 to September 2. Photo: Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area
At the exhibition, visitors can explore photographs, stories, and artifacts documenting the resistance efforts of Vietnamese soldiers against the French and American forces. Beyond its historical significance, the exhibition also showcases artifacts representing the mountain's development into a major cultural tourism destination in Vietnam.
On September 2, a flag-raising ceremony will be held at the mountaintop square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. This will be followed by an evening lantern ceremony for visitors and Buddhists to pay respects to past generations and their parents.
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The flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 80th National Day will take place on the morning of September 2 atop Ba Den Mountain. Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain |
The flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 80th National Day will take place on the morning of September 2 atop Ba Den Mountain. Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain
Sun World Ba Den Mountain is also recreating a traditional southern Vietnamese cultural space with the Leaf Market, where visitors can "purchase" goods with Bodhi leaves. The Leaf Market is a unique cultural feature of Tay Ninh, typically held in the first lunar month. It is the only market where no money is used for transactions.
This year's Leaf Market on Ba Den Mountain is the largest to date, running for four days from August 30 to September 2. The market features over 30 stalls offering a variety of local products. Visitors will receive Bodhi leaves when they purchase cable car tickets, which they can use to "buy" traditional food and Tay Ninh specialties.
The market is constructed and decorated with natural materials such as thatched leaves, mangrove wood, and woven mats, reflecting the rustic simplicity of a southern Vietnamese village market. The entire setup was created by the staff of Sun World Ba Den Mountain. The Vietnam Records Organization is expected to award the market the record for "Largest Leaf Market on a Mountaintop in Vietnam" on August 30.
The Leaf Market is expected to attract approximately 15,000 visitors. In addition to bartering with leaves, visitors can enjoy and participate in folk dances and other lively games. On the evening of August 30, following the Leaf Market, a lantern ceremony will be held in the square at the foot of the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue.
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The Leaf Market will be held atop Ba Den Mountain during the four-day National Day holiday. Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain |
The Leaf Market will be held atop Ba Den Mountain during the four-day National Day holiday. Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain
Alongside the historical and cultural activities, Ba Den Mountain will also host the Vu Lan festival on August 31 (the 9th day of the 7th lunar month). Organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the festival will feature chanting and prayer rituals, a flower pinning ceremony, and cultural performances.
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The Vu Lan lantern ceremony will be held on the evening of August 31. Photo: Le Nhat Hung Phat |
The Vu Lan lantern ceremony will be held on the evening of August 31. Photo: Le Nhat Hung Phat
Buddhists and visitors to Ba Den Mountain during this time will hear a talk by Senior Venerable Thich Thien Thuan on the topic of "A Mother's Heart." Senior Venerable Thich Thien Thuan is an alternate member of the Executive Council, Deputy Head and Chief Secretary of the Executive Board, and Head of the Propagation Board of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha (formerly Ba Ria - Vung Tau). He has translated, edited, and proofread numerous renowned Buddhist texts.
Dan Minh
