Thousands of Cao Dai followers have flocked to the Tay Ninh Holy See since the afternoon of October 5 to attend the 2025 Grand Ceremony of the Dieu Tri Palace FeastWithin the system of major Cao Dai festivals, the Grand Ceremony of the Jade Pool Palace Banquet (Hoi Yen Dieu Tri Cung) holds a significant position, second only to the Grand Ceremony honoring the Supreme Being dedicated to venerating the Holy Mother and the Nine Celestial Maidens. First held on the full moon of the eighth lunar month in the Year of the Ox (1925), the year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of this celebration. The grand ceremony featured key rituals such as the procession of the Holy Mother (Duc Phat Mau) and the Nine Fairy Maidens (Cuu vi Tien nuong), performances of the dragon, unicorn, tortoise and phoenix dances and the offering of the “five-fruit tray” and traditional sweets to pray for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity and well-being and happiness for every household… Cao Dai followers set up displays featuring fruit, confectionery, musical instruments and floral lantern decorations, while also reenacting the legends of the Holy Mother and the Nine Fairy Maidens.
The Dieu Tri Palace Banquet originates from an ancient legend recounting that Emperor Wu of Han welcomed the Divine Mother at the home of Cao Quynh Cu. Immediately following the banquet held in honor of the Mother Buddha and the Nine Fairy Maidens for the first time on the night of the full moon of the eighth lunar month in the Year of the Ox (At Suu), Her Ladyship and the Nine Fairy Maidens descended in turn via spirit writing to express their gratitude to the three gentlemen and each bestowed a four-line poem as a memento. The Cao Dai religion has embraced and developed this into an important, integral part of both its doctrine and rituals.
The Tay Ninh Holy See, the largest religious structure of the Cao Dai faith is located in Hoa Thanh Ward 5 km from the administrative center of Tay Ninh and spans an area of over one square kilometerThe grand festival comprises two segments, the ritual ceremony and the festive celebration spanning from late afternoon until midnight, featuring spectacular performances by phoenix dance troupes, musical ensembles, drummers, dancers and lion dance troupes. The ritual offerings take place on the night of the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, continuing from the afternoon until midnight; the Minor Altar (Tieu Dan) ceremony is held at the Holy Temple during the Hour of the Rat, while the Divine Mother (Phat Mau) Altar ceremony takes place during the Hour of the Horse. The ceremonial area was solemnly arranged. Numerous elaborate and vivid offerings including the Four Sacred Animals (dragon, qilin, turtle and phoenix) crafted from various fruits were displayed at the Phat Mau Shrine to demonstrate the devotees’ reverence. Arranged on the altar are a glass and a cup dedicated to the Holy Mother (Duc Phat Mau), while to the right, there is another glass and cup to honor the Supreme Being (Duc Chi Ton). Below lies a long table displaying offerings and the seats of the Nine Immortal Maidens, the Dharma Protector (Ho Phap), the High Priest (Thuong Pham) and the High Dignitary of the Temporal Affairs (Thuong Sanh); these seats are adorned with floral embroidery and topped with the figures’ exquisitely crafted sacred artifacts.
The festive portion of the Grand Ceremony features a procession carrying the palanquins of the Holy Mother (Duc Phat Mau) and the Nine Immortal Maidens (Cuu vi Tien nuong); the procession includes Holy See dignitaries, distinguished guests, and thousands of devotees, members of the congregation, and local residents making their way toward the center of the Holy See. Additionally, the event showcases performances such as the Dragon-Horse dance and the Dance of the Four Sacred Creatures (Incense Dragon, Jade Qilin, Turtle and Phoenix). A particular highlight of the grand ceremony is the incense dragon dance, a unique feature exclusive to Tay Ninh distinguished by a dragon body nearly 20 meters long manipulated by 30 dancers; the interplay of the mythical creature and the brilliant red flames it spews captivates the audience. In addition, attendees of the Grand Ceremony could admire hundreds of elaborate artistic creations depicting dragons, phoenixes and celestial maidens, fashioned from vegetables and fruits and offered by the congregations.
Beyond its religious significance, the Dieu Tri Palace Grand Festival has become a signature cultural event in Tay Ninh province during the full moon of the eighth lunar month, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and international tourists; it contributes to preserving and promoting cultural identity and moral traditions while fostering a connection to the roots of the Vietnamese nation./.
