In tribute to Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh

For nearly 330 years, the people of Dong Nai and Southern Vietnam have revered Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh for his important contributions to expanding the country's territories to the South, establishing an administrative system, and laying the groundwork for the Southern region's growth.

The annual death anniversary commemoration of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh in the Tran Bien - Dong Nai region is not only an occasion to pay tribute to his immense contributions but also an opportunity to continue historical traditions and educate younger generations about the noble tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source.”

Paying tribute to the pioneer

In the spring of the Year of the Tiger (1698), Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh was appointed by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu to govern the Southern region. He established Gia Dinh Prefecture on the land of Dong Nai, comprising two districts: Phuoc Long, where Tran Bien Garrison was built, and Tan Binh, where Phien Tran Garrison was built. Within a short period, Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh recruited settlers, reclaimed land, established administrative units, introduced tax regulations, and created population registers, laying an important foundation for the formation and development of the ancient Dong Nai - Gia Dinh region and officially placing this land on the map of the Dai Viet nation.

The Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh temple and tomb complex relic in Tran Bien Ward serves as the venue for the annual death anniversary commemoration of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh.

More than three centuries later, the legacy of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh is preserved not only in historical records but also in the cultural life of local communities. Each year, the death anniversary commemoration held at the Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh temple and tomb complex (Tran Bien Ward) is solemnly observed, serving as a traditional cultural event through which people express their gratitude to him.

Nguyen Trung Cang, head of the Ritual Board of the relic of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh temple and tomb complex, said the annual death anniversary commemoration is not only an occasion to commemorate and honor the pioneer who explored and expanded the Southern region but also an opportunity for the community to reflect on the historical and cultural values handed down through generations. Traditional rituals are conducted in accordance with community customs, expressing respect, the tradition of gratitude, and the determination to preserve, promote, and disseminate the cultural values of the Dong Nai region.

Preparations for this year's death anniversary commemoration at the relic of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh temple and tomb complex are currently underway. From landscaping and cleaning the grounds to completing ritual preparations, all work is being carried out thoroughly by the Ritual Board and supporting forces. Notably, the participation of students from Le Quy Don - Tan Mai High School (Tam Hiep Ward) and Youth Union members and young people in Tran Bien Ward has helped foster responsibility and raise awareness among younger generations about preserving cultural heritage.

La Ngoc Bao Tran, a student at Le Quy Don - Tan Mai High School, said, "This is the first time I have participated in preparing for the Marquis's death anniversary commemoration at the relic site, so I am very happy and find it meaningful. Through simple tasks such as cleaning and arranging the landscape, I have had more opportunities to learn about the history of the land where I live and better understand the values that have been preserved through many generations. I hope more young people will take an interest in and learn about historical sites so that the stories of our ancestors continue to be passed on."

Spreading values of National Intangible Cultural Heritage

A significant milestone in preserving cultural values was achieved in 2025, when the death anniversary commemoration of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh was inscribed on the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Since its recognition, the ceremony has continued to be preserved, practiced, and promoted by the locality as part of community life while contributing to the promotion and dissemination of the historical and cultural values of Dong Nai in particular and the Southern region in general.

In addition to traditional rituals, this year's death anniversary commemoration of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh features a range of meaningful cultural activities, including exhibition spaces showcasing photographs and documents on the life and career of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh, as well as the history of practicing and preserving the ceremony over the years. Residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to experience intaglio carving and enamel dotting on ceramics, while learning about the Bien Hoa pottery craft under the guidance of artisans and highlighting the convergence of cultural values formed in the Dong Nai region.

To promote the value of this heritage, the Dong Nai Museum has recently implemented various initiatives to bring the memorial ceremony for Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh closer to the community. In particular, the application of digital technology to introduce the relic of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh temple and tomb complex through QR codes, 360-degree virtual reality tours, and 3D publications has expanded public access to the heritage, enabling residents, pupils and students, and visitors to learn more about his life and legacy.

The death anniversary commemoration of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh is held on June 29 and 30 at the relic of his temple and tomb complex. The ceremony has evolved beyond a traditional ritual to become the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, helping promote the image of Dong Nai and its people to audiences across the region and the world.

Nguyen Ngoc Yen, Director of the Dong Nai Museum, said the relic of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh temple and tomb complex is not only a site preserving historical and cultural values associated with the formation of the Dong Nai region but also a place for traditional education, helping younger generations better understand the contributions of the ancestors to the exploration, construction, and development of the homeland. The museum has welcomed numerous delegations, pupils, students and visitors for tours, study, and educational experiences. In 2026, the museum will continue surveying and assessing the condition of ranked monuments and will advise the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on preservation, restoration, and renovation in accordance with regulations.

Currently, Dong Nai City has named a 15.5-km avenue after Nguyen Huu Canh, running through Long Hung Ward, Tam Phuoc Ward, and An Phuoc Commune. Many schools have also been named after him to commemorate his contributions. In addition, literary and artistic works by Dong Nai artists and writers depicting the life and career of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh have been widely introduced, enriching the cultural and spiritual life of local people.

By My Ny – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha