The Hung Kings’ Temple Festival (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương) is a deeply significant national celebration in Vietnam, held annually to commemorate the legendary Hung Kings – the founding fathers of the Vietnamese nation. This cultural and spiritual event not only reinforces national pride but also showcases Vietnam’s rich heritage through colorful rituals and festive activities.
When and Where is the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival Held? 📅📍
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Date: The festival takes place on the 10th day of the third lunar month, which typically falls in April on the Gregorian calendar.
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Location: The main celebration is held at the Hung Kings’ Temple Complex on Nghia Linh Mountain, located in Phu Tho Province, about 90 km northwest of Hanoi.
This site is believed to be the burial place of the first Hung Kings who ruled Vietnam more than 4,000 years ago.
History and Cultural Significance 🏛️🌾
The Hung Kings are legendary figures believed to have established the first Vietnamese state, Van Lang, around 2879 BC. The festival is a tribute to their contributions in founding and protecting the Vietnamese nation. It’s not just a religious event – it is a symbol of national unity and the Vietnamese people's deep respect for their ancestors.
In 2012, UNESCO recognized the Worship of Hung Kings as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, emphasizing the cultural importance of this tradition.
Festival Activities and Rituals 🎎🎶
1. Ceremonial Offerings and Processions
The main ritual includes:
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Offerings of banh chung and banh giay (traditional rice cakes),
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Incense ceremonies,
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Palanquin processions,
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Readings of ancestral eulogies.
These sacred rituals are performed by officials and locals dressed in traditional áo dài, often accompanied by traditional music and ceremonial drums.
2. Folk Games and Performances 🎭
Besides the solemn ceremonies, visitors can enjoy:
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Xoan singing and hat cheo (traditional folk music),
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Rice cooking contests,
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Wrestling matches,
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Human chess,
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Bamboo swings and other village games.
These folk activities bring people together and revive age-old traditions passed down through generations.
Why You Should Experience the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival 💫
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Cultural immersion: Participate in ancient rituals and understand the spiritual beliefs of Vietnamese people.
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Vibrant atmosphere: The entire country gets involved – schools, temples, and communities all pay tribute.
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Beautiful setting: The Hung Kings Temple Complex is surrounded by lush forests and mountainous terrain – a scenic location for reflection and exploration.
Celebrate Vietnamese Heritage with Vietnam Treasure Team 🇻🇳✨
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🌱 We also dedicate a portion of our profits from successful orders to support community and charitable projects, honoring the spirit of unity passed down from our ancestors.
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