Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da Festival rekindles national pride
Hanoi marks the 237th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da Victory (1789–2026), a military triumph that cemented the nation’s independence and remains a symbol of resilience and unity.
THE HANOI TIMES — The annual Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da Victory Festival, held on the fifth day of the first lunar month, today (February 21) at the Dong Da Mount National Special Monument in Hanoi with the attendance of central and Hanoi city leaders, residents and visitors.
The commemoration honors national heroes who sacrificed for the country’s sovereignty and prosperity.
Held annually, the festival commemorates the decisive 1789 battle in which Tay Son forces defeated invading Qing troops, a victory that helped secure national independence. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi
Historical records that in October 1788, the Qing court dispatched about 290,000 troops in three columns to invade Dai Viet.
Facing a national crisis, the Tay Son leader Nguyen Hue ascended the throne on December 22, 1788, in Phu Xuan, central Vietnam, proclaiming himself Emperor Quang Trung.
He swiftly mobilized his forces northward after allowing troops to celebrate the Lunar New Year early.
In a rapid campaign, Quang Trung’s army defeated Qing positions at Ha Hoi before advancing toward Dong Da, southwest of the imperial capital.
On the night of the fourth lunar day, Tay Son forces under Admiral Dang Tien Dong launched a surprise assault on the Khuong Thuong fort, dealing a decisive blow to Qing troops.
The Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da campaign ended the invasion and restored national independence.
The victory, now associated with modern-day Hanoi, is widely regarded as one of the most significant military achievements in Vietnamese history, underscoring the country’s enduring aspiration for peace and self-determination.
To commemorate Quang Trung and the Tay Son commanders and soldiers, the Ngoc Hoi- Dong Da Victory Festival, also known as the Dong Da Mound Festival, has been held annually for centuries.
Beyond remembrance, the event serves as a focal point of Hanoi’s cultural life and a vehicle for educating younger generations about the legacy of their forebears.
This year’s festival features traditional rituals and performances, including an incense-offering ceremony by local delegations, a palanquin procession, lion and dragon dances, martial arts display from Binh Dinh, Chinese chess and human chess competitions, calligraphy demonstrations and other folk art presentations.
Drummers open the ceremony marking the 237th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da Victory (1789-2026).
An artist Vu Manh Linh portraiting Emperor Quang Trung, delivers the commemorative address at the anniversary event.
Vu Dai Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, offers incense at the statue of Emperor Quang Trung
Nguyen Ngoc Viet, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Dong Da Ward, speaks at the event.
Central and Hanoi city leaders attend the ceremony commemorating the 237th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da Victory.
Performers stage a cultural program during the anniversary commemoration.
A reenactment portrays the decisive battle between Tay Son forces and Qing troops in the spring of 1789.
Actors recreate the fifth day of Tet in 1789, when Tay Son troops entered Thang Long and Emperor Quang Trung sent a peach blossom branch to Princess Ngoc Han.
Peach blossoms, a seasonal emblem in northern Vietnam, symbolize renewal and the bond between Nguyen Hue and Princess Ngoc Han.
The ritual team at the Go Dong Da festival is composed entirely of elderly residents from the Dong Da Ward.
Statue of Emperor Quang Trung at the Dong Da monument complex in Hanoi.
Nguyen Dac Thanh, a resident of Dai Mo Ward, presents peach blossoms in tribute to Emperor Quang Trung.
Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da Victory anniversary serves as a focal point of Hanoi’s cultural life in every Spring.
The Binh Dinh martial arts performed at the festival, highlighting the central region’s traditional combat heritage.
