"Locals and tourists gathered in Vu Thu commune, Hung Yen province, on Wednesday, to witness a distinctive regional tradition – the ritual of carrying palanquins across the water. Footage shows villagers participating in the ceremonial procession during the Phuong Vu temple festival, with palanquins carried through crowds before bearers wade into a lake and lower them beneath the surface, as spectators watch the ritual. "Traditionally, when carrying the palanquin, we usually place it in a pond or lake. This is a beautiful tradition passed down to us by our ancestors," said Nguyen Manh Kiem, head of the festival organising committee. Before the procession begins, villagers seek their ancestors' permission to select the bearers. Each palanquin is carried by a group of eight young men from the village, all over 18, chosen from more than 100 candidates. "Those chosen had to carry the palanquin three days later, without any training. According to them, during the procession, they completely followed the guidance of the village deity. This is a spiritual element that we greatly appreciate," Nguyen added. "This ritual expresses the villagers' gratitude and remembrance of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh," shared spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, adding that it also "conveys the hope for a year of favourable weather for the villagers and everyone else." The annual Phuong Vu temple festival takes place in Vietnam's Red River Delta, a rice-farming region with deep water-based traditions. The ceremony honours a Buddhist monk and reflects the community's spiritual ties to nature and agriculture."