Nhat Tan Communal House Festival: where tradition meets modernity
The biennial festival in Hanoi showcases unique rituals that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people.
The Nhat Tan Communal House Festival, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, was launched on March 9 (the 10th day of the second lunar month) to commemorate the 760th birth anniversary of Linh Lang Dai Vuong (Uy Linh Lang), a revered Vietnamese general of the 13th century during the reign of King Tran Nhan Tong.
Legend has it that when the Yuan Mongol invaders, led by General Sügetü with an army of 400,000 men, threatened the country, Uy Linh Lang asked his father for permission to lead the national defense. He called on the Vietnamese people to rise up for their homeland. With the support of his countrymen, Uy Linh Lang raised an army, launched a fierce counterattack against the Yuan forces, and won a resounding victory.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, the King bestowed upon Linh Lang the title of Dam Dam Dai Vuong (Great Prince of the West Lake). Since then, the people of Nhat Tan Village (now Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District) have held a festival every two years on the 10th day of the second lunar month to honor his legacy.
Cong Minh Tuan, Chairman of the Nhat Tan Ward People's Committee, said that the festival's designation as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage recognizes the community's dedicated efforts to promote this valuable heritage and emphasizes the local people's responsibility to integrate it into contemporary life.
"Good customs should be passed down from generation to generation to remind local people of their roots and show gratitude to their ancestors," he said.
Cong Minh Tuan, Chairman of the Nhat Tan Ward People's Committee, speaks at the festival. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times
The vibrant atmosphere of the Nhat Tan Communal House Festival in Tay Ho District, Hanoi.
Nhat Tan Communal House Festival showcases a series of traditional rituals, including palanquin, water processions, and other folk cultural activities.
The ceremony honoring Uy Linh Lang is considered the most important part of the festival and is performed by respected village elders.
A procession of ten beautiful palanquins goes from the communal house through the main streets.
A special midnight ritual reflects the ancient "fertility" beliefs of the Vietnamese people.
At midnight on the ninth day of the second lunar month, a procession carries seven eggs to be released into the Red River, symbolizing the celebration of growth and prosperity, while also reflecting the people’ hopes for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
The day after, a "sacred water" ritual takes place. Water is drawn from the exact spot where the eggs were released, honoring the essential role of water in agriculture.
This pure water is then offered to the gods and is believed to bring blessings for the next two years.
Besides these cherished traditions, the festival also offers a range of entertainment, including folk performances such as cheo and tuong singing, human chess, cockfighting, and others.
A special feature of the festival is the Linh Lang Award Ceremony, which recognizes outstanding individuals and families in the community.
This event features a combination of traditional cultural education and modern ideas of personal empowerment.
The Nhat Tan Communal House Festival is impressive for the timeless rituals passed down through generations and the local community's active involvement in keeping the traditions alive.
