Returning to Uncle Ho's Hometown During the Blooming Lotus Festival

The annual Sen Village Festival, held in honor of President Ho Chi Minh's 136th birthday, has once again drawn crowds from across Vietnam to his ancestral home in Nghe An province. This pilgrimage is more than just a tourist visit; it is a profound expression of gratitude and a journey to connect with the nation's roots.

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Before, I only knew Uncle Ho's hometown through books, but when I saw this small thatched house with my own eyes, I felt more clearly the simplicity and greatness of him. Everything is as simple as any Vietnamese countryside, yet from this place, Uncle left to find a way to save the country.

As visitors walk the paths lined with bamboo, the scent of lotuses fills the air, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Many, like Nguyen Bao My Duyen from Dong Nai, experience a powerful emotional connection upon seeing the humble surroundings where Ho Chi Minh spent his early years. The simple, rustic setting of his childhood home, including his mother's old loom, serves as a poignant reminder of his humble beginnings and the immense journey he undertook to liberate Vietnam.

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We are grateful to Uncle Ho. All my life I have only wished to visit his hometown, and now I have been able to fulfill it.

This year's festival sees diverse groups, from ethnic Thai communities from Son La to young students accompanied by their teachers, all united by a shared reverence for Uncle Ho. For many, especially those visiting for the first time, the experience deepens their understanding of his legacy beyond textbooks, making history tangible and personal. The guides' narratives about his childhood and mother's lullabies resonate deeply, evoking tears and quiet reflection.

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History lessons will become more familiar when the children can see the real space of the past with their own eyes and it will remain in their memories for a long time.

Local guides, like Phung Thi Huong Giang, who has dedicated 30 years to this role, share their pride in preserving the sanctity and tranquility of this historic site. The meticulous care given to the ancestral home, from clean pathways to well-maintained houses, reflects the deep respect the community holds. This dedication ensures that the spirit of Sen Village remains a powerful symbol of national identity and historical memory for millions of visitors each year.

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There are groups of guests who quietly shed tears when entering Uncle Ho's small house. Some stand for a long time in front of the simple mementos of his family. Those moments make us understand more deeply the meaning of our work.