On February 3, following the Lunar New Year celebrations, a large number of office workers and business owners in Hanoi visited Tay Ho Temple during lunchtime to ask for good luck, successful careers, and financial abundance.

By 11:30 AM, the temple area was crowded with people who arrived carrying offerings and incense to present.

According to a local vendor, such a high volume of visitors typically occurs on the first day of Tet, while subsequent days are busy yet less congested. Traditionally, many individuals return from their hometowns that day to seek blessings before starting work again.

“Office workers often use their lunch breaks to pray here, and business owners come by before they open their stores. That’s why the temple is especially crowded today,” explained a vendor nearby.

Within the temple, the density of the crowd forced some visitors to pray from afar, folding their hands in respect while navigating through the bustling courtyard.

Some attendees mentioned it took them over 30 minutes to access the main shrine to offer their prayers. Others found it challenging to locate space for their offerings, as all surfaces were filled.

Among the attendees was Quynh Huong, who joined her colleagues for their annual visit.

“Our team makes it a point to come to Tay Ho Temple on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year each year. Our offerings are modest, but we come with genuine intentions to pray for good fortune and peace,” she explained.

Likewise, Tuan Hai, dressed in formal attire, highlighted the different purposes behind visiting temples versus shrines.

“We visit temples for peace, and at shrines like Tay Ho Temple, we pray for wealth and prosperity. That’s why I’m here today, right after our office’s New Year gathering,” he noted.

For some, carving out time for the temple visit amidst a hectic day was a challenge.

Nguyen Phuong, an employee at a hospital, conveyed that she hurried over during her lunch hour to seek blessings for luck, health, and success for her team.

“My schedule is quite packed, so I had to come here now. Besides praying for my family, I also wish for good health for my colleagues so they can continue their essential work,” she shared.

Despite the high number of visitors, the atmosphere at Tay Ho Temple remained filled with devotion and optimism, marking the first workday of the year with hopes for a successful Year of the Snake.