Bac Giang (VNA) – The fresh opening of the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda Festival in the northern province of Bac Giang has been marked with the announcement of the Prime Minister’s decision to recognise the pagoda’s statues of the three patriarchs of the Truc Lam Buddhist sect as a national treasure.

Dating back to the 19th century, the statuary comprises three wooden figures representing the first three patriarchs of the zen sect, namely Tran Nhan Tong, Phap Loa, and Huyen Quang. The statue of Tran Nhan Tong stands 0.85m tall and weighs approximately 60kg, while those of Phap Loa and Huyen Quang range from 0.83m to 0.85m in height, each weighing around 65kg.

Experts highlight the uniqueness of these statues, which were meticulously carved from single blocks of jackfruit wood. The statues remain in their original condition, with no known replicas.

As one-of-a-kind historical artefacts, they hold immense cultural and spiritual significance, reflecting the legacy of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda – a renowned Buddhist centre dating back to the Ly (1009–1225) and Tran (1225–1400) dynasties. The pagoda played a pivotal role in the development of the Truc Lam zen sect, founded by King Tran Nhan Tong and continued by his successors – Phap Loa and Huyen Quang.

The national treasure recognition was formalised under Decision No. 1712/QD-TTg, signed by the Prime Minister on December 31 last year.

As a national intangible cultural heritage, the festival runs from March 10 to 13, featuring a diverse range of activities, including a traditional Buddhist procession, tug-of-war and pole-pushing competitions, exhibitions showcasing local products, and a recreated rural marketplace with 31 stalls from various communes and wards. The festival also includes lectures of Buddhist teachings.

Originally built in the 11th century under the reign of King Ly Thai To, Vinh Nghiem was a key training🅰 and administrative hub for Buddhist monks during the Tran Dynasty. The site is also renowned for housing a collection of 3,050 woodblocks, which were listed as UNESCO documentary heritage for the Asia-Pacific reg♛ion./.