Thang Long Imperial Citadel reenacts ancient royal rituals

The once-a-year event brings to life centuries-old rituals and celebrates the Lunar New Year with prayers for national prosperity, peace, and the well-being of the Vietnamese people.

Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Vu Thu Ha, attends the ceremony. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

She offers incense to the ancestors and kings of Vietnam at this historic site.

The program revives the time-honored customs of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and invites visitors to experience the enchanting atmosphere of Tet preparations.

The ceremony’s centerpiece is the Tien Lich (Calendar Offering) ritual.

The centerpiece is the "calendar" - a revered object that symbolizes the passage of time and the cyclical nature of the seasons.

The Ong Cong Ong Tao or Kitchen God Farewell Ritual, which involves the release of carp, also plays an important role in the celebration.

According to legend, the Kitchen Gods ride the carp to the heavens, where they report on the year's events to the Celestial King.

Deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, this custom represents hope for a prosperous year.

After the Kitchen Gods worship ceremony, a vibrant gathering takes place at the Doan Mon (South Gate) where the Cay Neu (Tet tree) is erected.

This towering bamboo pole, adorned with offerings, is believed to bring good fortune, peace, and a bountiful harvest for the year ahead.

Foreign visitors witness the grand spectacle of the beauty of the Tong Cuu Nghenh Tan ceremony.

Earthen figures are hung from the top of the Neu tree so that when the wind blows, symbolizing the exorcism of demons.

The festivities will continue throughout the Lunar New Year season with a series of cultural programs.