Thuan Thanh town announces PM’s Decision on recognizing National Treasure for Dau pagoda woodblocks

Leaders of Thuan Thanh town hand over the PM’s Decision to Dau pagoda.

Participants at the ceremony were leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Thuan Thanh town and the Provincial Buddhist Church’s Executive Board.

Dau pagoda belongs to the ancient Dau canton, now belongs to Thanh Khuong ward, Thuan Thanh town, Bac Ninh province and it is known as the earliest ancient pagoda formed in our country. This is one of the historical religious relics marking the origin of Buddhism in Vietnam.

The leaders attend the ceremony.

Currently, Dau pagoda is known as the most famous landscape in the Kinh Bac region, with unique outstanding value in architectural and artistic history. Dau pagoda was ranked as a special national relic in 2013. The Four Dharma Buddha statues of the Dau region were recognized as a National Treasure in 2017. In addition, Dau pagoda still preserves many valuable documents and antiques, typically stone stele, bronze bell, etc.

Leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism present flowers to congratulate Dau pagoda.

Especially, the woodblocks of Dau pagoda have been recognized as the National Treasure by the PM in January, 2024. The woodblocks include 107 sets that is the only original artifact, unique, complete and authentic with many types of texts.

The woodblocks of Dau pagoda.

Researchers have temporarily classified them into 13 different sets. The woodblocks were engraved during the reign of Le Trung Hung and Tay Son, and continued until the Nguyen dynasty. The letters on the woodblocks are all ancient Chinese and Nom letters carved with soft lines and high aesthetics. Over a period of nearly 300 years, the engraved boards at Dau pagoda are still quite intact, with enough, sharp and clear letters. Presently, 107 wooden carvings at Dau pagoda are being carefully protected and stored.

The delegates visit the woodblocks.

The recognition of National Treasure is an important legal basis that demonstrates the State’s recognition of the historical, cultural, scientific and artistic values ​​of the woodblocks set at Dau pagoda. At the same time, it creates a legal basis to preserve and promote the value of long-term treasures, contributing to fostering love for homeland and country.

Art performance opens the ceremony.

On the same day, Thuan Than town organized the opening ceremony of the 2024 traditional Dau pagoda festival. The festival takes place from May 13-15 (i.e. the 6^th and 8^th day of the 4^th lunar month) with many traditional sacrificial rituals at Dau pagoda. Along with the ceremony, there are festival activities such as: Quan ho singing on the boat; Dong Ngu water puppetry; performing traditional folk arts of ca tru, cheo, chau van; sports competitions and folk games, etc.