The mass pilgrimage flocking to Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh at the beginning of the Lunar New Year
BA DEN, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newsdwire - 10 February 2025 - During the recent Lunar New Year, images capturing packed crowds at the foot of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh resembling an emotive abstract painting, have created a sensation. These photos, shared hundreds of thousands of times by Vietnamese social media platforms, have sparked widespread interest from across the world.
Ba Den Mountain, located in the centre of Tay Ninh province in Vietnam, is the highest mountain in southern Vietnam, with an altitude of 986 metres. As a unique cultural heritage, Ba Den Mountain is not only a naturally scenic spot, but also a significant spiritual centre, visited by tourists with hopes of peace and good health for the year ahead.
The Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival Held annually from the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to the 16th day of the first lunar month, is a unique cultural event and one of the largest festivals in Tay Ninh province.
During this time, massive crowds resembling a "festival camping ground" often appear at the foot of the mountain.
Many pilgrims choose not to stay in hotels or guesthouses but instead spread out mats and blankets to sleep within the Ba Den National Tourist Area, embracing the sacred energy of this revered land. This also allows them to ascend the mountain early the next morning to visit the Ba Pagoda at the summit. Over the years, spending the night at the foot of Ba Den Mountain during the Tet holiday has become a tradition, a spiritual journey, shaping an extraordinary New Year festival unlike any other.
The first month of the lunar calendar, according to Vietnamese beliefs, marks the beginning of a New Year but also a new opportunity and is considered a time to open up the spiritual realm. People believe that offering incense at Ba Den Mountain during this time will bring blessings from Linh Son Thanh Mau (Linh Son Holy Mother) Bodhisattva, a revered deity in southern Vietnamese folklore, known for her miraculous manifestations and compassion, and that they will receive good luck and protection throughout the year. The combination of traditional and spiritual elements has created a huge attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, including international tourists eager to explore Vietnam's unique cultural heritage.
At Dien Ba and Ba Pagoda — centuries-old temples on the mountainside — thousands of devotees make their first offerings of the year, offering prayers and asking for blessings. At the summit, visitors eagerly pay homage to the towering Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in Asia, as well as one of the world's largest Maitreya Bodhisattva statues. Below the statues lies a vast exhibition space where visitors can immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and seek tranquility and joy in the early days of the New Year.
Ba Den Mountain is now gaining international recognition. In 2024, photographer Tran Tuan Viet's work, The Highest Mountain in Southern Vietnam, a sensational photograph featuring the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue amid clouds atop Ba Den Mountain, was selected from over 415,000 images, created by 74,000 photographers from 206 countries and territories worldwide, to represent Vietnam in the Sony World Photography Awards. The image captivated visitors when it went on show at an exhibition at the prestigious Somerset House, London, in April 2024.
At that time, the breath-taking beauty of Ba Den Mountain caught the attention of international media, with leading global publications such as The Times of London, the Daily Record from Scotland and Euronews broadcasting from Lyon in France, along with many others, praising the image, ranking it number one in their lists of award-winning photographs.
Ba Den Mountain's natural beauty is stunning. From its summit, travellers can take in sweeping views of the vast Tay Ninh plains, where lush green rice fields stretch endlessly out to the horizon, the immense Dau Tieng Lake shimmers and winding roads create picturesque landscapes.
From now until the end of spring, Ba Den Mountain will remain a destination for pilgrims, with vibrant festivals. The Ba Mountain Spring Festival continues throughout the first lunar month, with events such as the joyful Maitreya Festival, the God of Wealth Festival and the Full Moon Festival.
Then on May 9, Ba Den Mountain will serve as the main venue for the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2025, one of the largest Buddhist events globally. The grand festival will include numerous remarkable moments, with the highlight being an extensive lantern-offering ceremony, attended by revered monks, esteemed Buddhist leaders and delegates from 80 countries, alongside tens of thousands of Buddhist followers from Vietnam and abroad.
Hashtag: #SunGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Sun Group
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
6 days ago
- Arabian Post
Techcombank Expands Overseas Talent Roadshow 2025 to Europe Following U.S. Success
The Overseas Talent Roadshow attracted nearly 1,000 Vietnamese professionals in various majors. HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2025 – After a successful launch in Los Angeles, Techcombank and ecosystem—One Mount and Masterise Group—are bringing the Overseas Talent Roadshow 2025 to Europe, with the next stop set for Paris on July 4–5. Los Angeles: A Kick-Off with Over 1,000 Talents Engaged The Los Angeles event attracted nearly 1,000 Vietnamese professionals working in technology, data, finance, and management. Held in one of the U.S.'s most dynamic innovation hubs, the roadshow marked a bold step in Techcombank's mission to reverse the brain drain and inspire global Vietnamese talent to contribute to Vietnam's transformation. ADVERTISEMENT Attended by Techcombank CEO Jens Lottner and senior leaders, the event featured a strategic dialogue on Vietnam's economic outlook and the evolving role of the bank's ecosystem in shaping new career pathways beyond traditional banking. 'It felt less like a recruitment session and more like a shared vision in motion—transparent, engaging, and backed by leadership commitment,' said Khoa Nguyen, a participant at the LA event. Ahead of the event, Techcombank hosted a virtual Techcombank Info Day featuring returnee employees, offering firsthand perspectives on career development, reintegration, and working culture in Vietnam. Now, the bank sets its sights on Europe, engaging high-caliber Vietnamese professionals, especially in finance, insurance, data, and tech. The Paris edition aims to spark not only career opportunities but also the spirit of homecoming and contribution. A Long-Term Vision from a Leading Organization Since 2022, Techcombank has spearheaded international talent campaigns in key markets such as Singapore, the UK, the U.S., and Australia. Each year, the program has expanded in scope and depth, seeking professionals with a 'breakthrough DNA'—those who think big, act boldly, and are ready to grow with their organization and homeland. With over 13,000 employees, a fully Agile environment, and robust learning programs like TechcomPACE, LEAP, and LinkedIn Learning, the bank has been named Vietnam's Best Workplace and a Top 9 Best Workplace in Asia 2024 (Great Place to Work®). Event Info Techcombank Overseas Talent Roadshow 2025 Date: 28 June (Virtual), July 4–5, 2025 (Networking & 1:1 Career Discussion) Location: Paris, France Register: Hashtag: #Techcombank The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post
22-05-2025
- Arabian Post
OPPO and Discovery Channel Bring Global Celebration Moments to Life on the World Day for Cultural Diversity
OPPO and Discovery partners on Culture in a Shot Initiative SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2025In celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, OPPO reaffirms its commitment to cultural preservation and cross-cultural understanding through its global initiative Culture in a Shot , in partnership with Discovery Channel. Launched in 2024, this global initiative enters its second year and has documented cultures in 15 countries, continuing its mission to celebrate and preserve cultural diversity through OPPO's imaging technology. As a global technology company operating in over 70 countries and regions, and serving 670 million of users worldwide, cultural diversity remains an integral part of its identity. Under the 2025 theme 'Celebrate the Moment', this year OPPO and Discovery Channel explores iconic festivals and celebrations across the globe—from the mystery of the Venice Carnival in Italy and the traditions of Nauryz in Kazakhstan, to the vibrant festive of Brazilian football culture. Through the lens of OPPO smartphones, the initiative captures the stories behind these celebrations and how younger generations are keeping traditions alive in new ways. A Cultural Journey into the Universal Joy of Celebration ADVERTISEMENT Across the globe, festivals unite people through shared moments of joy, tradition, and togetherness. More than just vibrant spectacles, these cultural events are the heartbeat of communities—powerful expressions of history, identity, and human connection. The journey this year begins in Italy with the legendary Venice Carnival, a celebration where history and fantasy merge. Once rooted in aristocratic traditions, it has transformed into a global cultural event that invites people from all walks of life to participate. With its vibrant masks, timeless architecture, and joyful spirit, Venice comes to life through OPPO's lens. Celebrating the Venice Carnival with vibrant masks and costumes Travelling to Kazakhstan, the focus turns to Nauryz, the traditional New Year festival that symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and unity. Deeply rooted in ancient customs, Nauryz transforms cities into open-air stages filled with music, dance, and elaborate costumes. A key part of the festival is sharing traditional meals like kumys (fermented horse milk) and nauryz-kozhe, a symbolic seven-ingredient dish. OPPO's imaging technology brings these rich traditions to life—capturing the warmth of family gatherings and the hope of new beginnings. Nauryz, the traditional New Year festival of Kazakhstan Beyond traditional festivals, some forms of celebration are woven into everyday life. In Brazil, the spotlight turns to a different kind of festivity—football. More than just a sport, football is a national celebration and cultural ritual of Brazil, embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds. The story of 19-year-old player Mario Cesar Conceição Faria Júnior illustrates how football serves as a cultural heartbeat in Brazilian society—and how the younger generation continues to chase dreams through it. From backstreets to stadiums, football is a shared rhythm that ignites communities, inspires youth, and unites the nation in collective joy. Football as a national celebration and cultural ritual of Brazil Weaving a Tapestry of Heritage Stories ADVERTISEMENT Beyond the professional photography produced by OPPO and Discovery Channel, OPPO also encourages its communities worldwide to document and share their own cultural identities. In Malaysia, OPPO has been running the #OPPOMalaysiaThroughTheLens initiative since 2024, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU). This year, the initiative captured the Thaipusam festival, a vibrant Malaysian Hindu tradition, highlighting how cultural practices are passed down through generations. More than a visual archive, Culture in a Shot is about participation—amplifying grassroots voices and encouraging people everywhere to take pride in their heritage. To extend this impact, the campaign continues on social platforms through the #OPPOCultureChallenge on TikTok. Using hashtags #OPPOxDiscovery and #OPPOCultureChallenge, creators are invited to share how they celebrate and preserve their traditions in daily life. For example, during Thailand's Songkran Festival, young creators embraced the challenge—merging creativity with tradition, and breathing new life into age-old customs. Their contributions show that culture is not static; it evolves when shared, reinterpreted, and made personal for a new generation. OPPO Culture Challenge The global cultural journey continues. OPPO and Discovery Channel will explore more festivals and traditions—celebrating the diversity that connects people across borders. To discover more stories and cultural highlights, please visit the Culture in a Shot webpage and join the #OPPOCultureChallenge that celebrates culture through the lens. Hashtag: #OPPO The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – 'Smiley Face' – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.
Gulf News
05-05-2025
- Gulf News
Dubai rents: Are short-stay rates seeing a slow down for property investors and landlords?
Dubai: The number of new residential units being added to Dubai's short-stay rental markets continue to rise – but landlords will do well to keep close check on the kind of rates they are being leased for. They need to because the other option – leasing their properties for one-year contracts – is still recoding sizable increases in rates. There was a wakeup call of sorts for short-stay favouring landlords during the period leading up to the Eid break in late March. 'The short-stay rental/holiday home market was looking at a drop of about 15% on ADR (average daily rates) and a reduced occupancy of 20%-25%,' said Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of the property leasing and management company bnbme. 'The main reason for the drop in rates was that a lot of UAE residents – who would typically opt for staycations during Eid breaks – preferred to travel out this year. 'There was another reason for the impact on demand - the increase in number of short-stay units in Dubai. Then, it created a situation where demand did not end up following the actual increase in supply.' Dubai's short-stay rental market had been hitting high growth for the better part of three years. Not just as holiday homes, it was seen as offering the ideal platform for new residents in the city to stay and explore all the housing options available for annual leases. Plus, of course, there was the consistently high demand from business travellers to Dubai, and which still represent a sizable chunk of demand for short-stays. So much so, even when Dubai's 1-year rental rates were growing in double-digits, there was a steady stream of landlords who kept putting their properties for short-stays. What they were looking for was a steady rise in income with fewer vacant days between people renting. And most landlords were getting that. More properties, slower rent increases Then, by mid-2024 onwards, short-stay leases started feeling pressure of the sheer number of new units that were made available. 'By February 2025, it was clear that rate gains were slowing down, and there were also longer vacancies between short-stay leases,' said a rental manager at a leading property management firm. 'Some of the landlords we were representing got quite irritated by the drop in their returns.' Some landlords took the next obvious step – of pulling out all of their properties in the sort-stay market. 'In January, I decided it was better to put all my units in the 1-year rental space,' said a property investor. 'I shifted 6 units in all from short rentals, and I have not regretted the decision.' But for every landlord that exits, there are others who want a feel for the short-stay rental opportunities. According to various estimates, an average daily short-stay rental rate in some of Dubai's prime locations would be $100-$250, while rising significantly during peak seasons such as during Eid and closer to the city's New Year festivities. What will landlords get on 1-year rentals? Dubai annual rents are still trending on the higher side, with January's introduction of the digital Rental Index adding another facet to what landlords can demand – and get. For tenants, that has meant sign up for renewals at the 'new' average rentals for that area/building, which means paying higher. According to the latest market update from the property consultancy CBRE, the year-on-year average increase in Dubai residential rentals (the 1-year lease sort) is around 11%. This is part that excites landlords considering a switch from leasing short-term to a 1-year. Some of them would have made their decisions by late summer, which is when typically the market sees a good number of tenants having to decide whether to renew or move out. 'Summer 2025 will be a defining period for many landlords wanting to choose between long- or short-lease markets,' said a property manager. 'Unlike with short-stay rents, Dubai's 1-year rental market has not had a real slowdown in rental growth so far. 'There will be more homes that will get completed in the coming weeks and months, a sizable number of which will end up in one or the other leasing market. Landlords have to decide what sort of rentals they are comfortable with…'
