Ceremony for the Recognition of the Mariamman Temple as a City-Level Relic during the 2025 Via Ba Festival
On the morning of October 1, the Mariamman Temple Management Board (located at No. 45, Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) hosted a ceremony to commemorate the decision to recognize the Mariamman Temple as a city-level relic, coinciding with the 2025 Via Ba Festival.
The festival was honored by the presence of esteemed guests, including Mr. Vipra Pandey - Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Tushar Ga - Deputy Consulate General of India; Dr. Huỳnh Thành Lập - Chairman of the Vietnam–India Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City; Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan - Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân - Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities; Dr. Phan Anh Tú - Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Studies; along with representatives from the People’s Committee of Ben Thanh Ward, distinguished guests, journalists, and numerous worshippers.
USSH's representatives
In his remarks at the festival, Mr. Nguyễn Đăng Khoa - Head of the Management Board of Mariamman Temple, highlighted that the temple’s religious activities not only reflect the rich traditions of Hinduism but also integrate seamlessly with Vietnamese customs. This fusion enriches the spiritual lives of both the local community and visitors, serving as a cultural bridge between Vietnam and India.
The program featured a procession of the palanquin and the fire blessing, complemented by the “Dot of Vermilion” ritual. The fire blessing symbolizes health, vitality, and the dispelling of darkness, while the Dot of Vermilion signifies honor, love, and prosperity. The ceremony was further enhanced by a traditional Indian banquet, which provided warmth and reverence for guests and worshippers alike.
This year’s festival not only offered the Hindu community an opportunity to express their faith and devotion but also showcased the openness of the Vietnamese people in embracing international cultural values while striving to preserve and promote their national identity. It served as a platform to honor cultural and historical values that have captured the attention of researchers, reaffirming the significance of the Mariamman Temple in the cultural landscape of Ho Chi Minh City.
The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, has maintained a close partnership with the Mariamman Temple over the years. Through research projects, academic conferences, and educational programs for students, the university has enriched academic knowledge and reinforced its role in connecting and disseminating cultural and religious values, thereby fostering people-to-people exchanges and strengthening the Vietnam–India friendship.
