The Da Trang (White Stone) pagoda festival opened yesterday in An Dan commune, Tuy An district, Phu Yen province, attracting a large number of locals, Buddhist followers, and pilgrims.

The festival will commemorate monks and heroes who have contributed to the nation, including Tran Cao Van and Vo Tru, two national heroes who took part in the uprising led by Le Thanh Phuong (1825-1887).

The Da Trang pagoda, officially named the Tu Quang pagoda, was built by Buddhist monk Huy Phap Chuyen of the Lam Te faction in 1797.

The pagoda is famous for its group of stupas, a unique Buddhist architectural feature of the southern central region.

A series of cultural, arts, and sports related-activities was also organized. (Source: Nhandan)