Hanoi prioritizes environmental protection during upcoming festivals

Hanoi is looking forward to organizing cost-effective and practical festive events in 2024, without any religious fanaticism, as discussed at a meeting on January 23.

Huong Pagoda Festival in 2023. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The local authorities have been instructed to prioritize safety during these events and ensure that the festivals align with the local socio-economic development. Tran Thi Van Anh, the deputy director of Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized that the ritual activities should reflect traditional cultures, and visitors should be mindful of their behavior and actions to uphold cultural values and preserve relics.

The deputy director also stressed the importance of training relic managers and staff on how to receive visitors and maintain the local environment, safety, and tradition preservation.

During the meeting, representatives from local communes and districts in Hanoi expressed their commitment to making their festivals unique and appealing to tourists and visitors. They agreed to establish a set of criteria to ensure a conducive environment for traditional festivals in the city.

Dang Thi Mai, the Head of Dong Da District’s Culture and Information Office, mentioned that they have received tasks from the district government to prepare for the Dong Da Hill Festival. The festival will take place from February 14th to 16th, coinciding with the 5th to 7th day of the Lunar New Year. The main ceremony will be held on the first day, followed by a performance by Hanoi’s cai luong (reformed opera) performers.

Ms. Mai further stated, “We aim to complete all preparations before the festival starts. This year, we have designated areas for motorbike and car parking and are ensuring no unauthorized vendors or kiosks appear during the event.”

Tong Giang Phuc, the Head of Soc Son District’s Culture and Information Office, shared that the district is expecting a greater number of visitors at the Giong Temple festival this year. He mentioned that they have allocated a large space for traditional games and other cultural activities. All the necessary preparations have been completed.

Soc Son District hopes to welcome approximately 1,000 local people from eight nearby villages to participate in the parade.

Hanoi is renowned for hosting over 1,600 ritual and cultural events, varying from a few days to several months in duration. Some of the most popular festivals include the Dong Da Hill Festival (Dong Da District), the Giong Temple Festival (Soc Son District), and the Huong (Perfume) Pagoda Festival (My Duc District).

The Dong Da Hill Festival is an annual event organized by the authorities and residents of Dong Da District to commemorate the victory of the Vietnamese army, led by Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue, over the Chinese Qing invaders in the late 18th century. The festival takes place on the fifth day of the first lunar month.

The Giong Temple Festival aims to honor Saint Giong, also known as the Celestial General of Phu Dong. Saint Giong is one of the four immortals in Vietnamese culture, as he defeated the northern enemy and safeguarded national sovereignty in ancient times. The festival starts on the sixth day of the first lunar month.

The Huong Pagoda Festival is held in My Duc District from the sixth day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month. Visitors to Huong Pagoda have the opportunity to explore Huong Tich Cave, considered one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam.

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