VietNamNet Bridge – The Goddess of Mercy Festival opened in the central city of Da Nang on March 23, attracting over 10,000 people.

The festival includes two parts: rituals and festivities. As the Goddess of Mercy Pagoda

is under construction, festivities are less than previous years.

The festival is also organized to pray for good weather, peace and prosperity for the country.

Over 10,000 Buddhist followers and tourists take part in the opening day.

Beating drums to open the festival.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has added the festival to the event series of the National

Tourism Year 2011 in central coastal provinces.

PV