Royal ritual revivals: Doan Ngo Festival reenacted

The highlight of the program is the “Fan-Giving Ritual” in which the king of the Later Le Dynasty (1428 to 1789) gave paper fans to their mandarins. According to Vietnamese belief, this is the day that marks the beginning of the summer, therefore, the “Fan-Giving Ritual” is an important ceremony, showcasing the King’s concern for his underlings. 

Vice Chairman of municipal People’s Committee Chu Xuan Dung (fourth from right) and UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Christian Manhart (second from left) and delegates performed the opening ceremony of the program.

This is the first time this important ceremony has been recreated at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which is held solemnly, leaving viewers bowled over. Children attending the program learn the unique rituals that only took place during the Doan Ngo Festival such as the custom of “killing insects with food”, and the ritual of wearing five-color amulets for good health. They also explore the spaces of Hanoi's Old Quarter Street and Vietnamese traditional medicine, among others.

Under the guidance of artisan Duong Van Doan, little visitors to Thang Long Imperial Citadel will also have a chance to learn about fan-making processes.

Culinary artist Nguyen Anh Tuyet introduced dishes for Doan Ngo Festival, including fresh seasonal fruits, ruou nep (fermented steamed sticky rice), banh tro (cake cooked from glutinous rice with mistletoe ash) which will be eaten all with an expectation of getting rid of all insects that harms the crops and germs from inside human digestive system.