A corner of the Ba Chua Xu (regional goddess) Temple in the southern province of An Giang. — VNA Photo Phuong Vy

AN GIANG (VNS) — The People's Committee of the southern An Giang Province celebrated the recognition accorded to the Ba Chua Xu (regional goddess) Festival as national intangible cultural heritage on June 8.

The main part of the festival this year will take place from June 8 to 10, including ceremonies such as the regional goddess procession from the top of Sam Mountain to the temple and the statue-bathing ceremony.

Within the framework of the festival, many interesting cultural activities will also be held, such as dragon dances, boat race, traditional singing and instrumental performances, to entertain the local people and pilgrims.

The festival is held annually from the 23rd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month at Ba Chua Xu temple in Nui Sam ward, Chau Doc town, in An Giang. Every year, the Ba Chua Xu Festival attracts about four million visitors, who come to enjoy folk activities and to pray for prosperity. The festival was recognised as part of the national intangible cultural heritage in 2001.

The culture, sports and tourism ministry of An Giang Province is implementing the "General Plan of Developing Tourism of Sam Mountain-Chau Doc City, An Giang Province till 2020, with the vision till 2030" project, which aims to turn the area into a national tourism area and attract investment to exploit local tourism potential. — VNS