The solemn inauguration ceremony of the Kim Hoang Communal House took place on December 3, 2023, organized by the People’s Committee of Van Canh Commune, Hoai Duc District.
Vice Chairman of Van Canh Commune People’s Committee Tran Xuan Toan reported on the renovation and embellishment of Kim Hoang Communal House – Photo: Hoai Duc Electronic Portal
According to existing historical documents preserved at the site and local folklore, the Kim Hoang Communal House, located in Van Canh Commune, Hoai Duc District, venerates the deity Bach Hac Tam Giang, worshipped in 172 locations. The deity Bach Hac Tam Giang’s real name is Dao Truong, the third son of Dao Bot and Nguyen Thi Huong. He is one of the five divine eggs that the Dragon King bestowed upon the Dao family to aid the people and the country. At the age of 15, Dao Truong mastered martial arts and possessed divine powers. He participated in competitions and was appointed by Hung King Due Vuong as Nam Long Truong – Chuong Trung Hoa Te Quoc, leading fifty aquatic deities. Since then, the weather became favorable, crops flourished, and the people lived in abundance. During numerous invasions by the Thuc Lords, Hung King Due Vuong ordered Truong Lenh Cong to lead the army to victory, ensuring the safety and prosperity of the land. On one occasion, while rowing a dragon boat on the Luong Giang River in Tam Ky, a sudden darkness enveloped the sky and earth, and the water surged violently. Dao Truong rode a large carp, holding a natural jade seal, and transformed. Simultaneously, from his boat emerged a golden dragon, bright and colorful, more than a hundred yards long, soaring into the sky in continuous heavy rain and strong winds for three days. The king deeply mourned the loss of the virtuous talent, and he decreed that wherever Dao’s shrine was established, people should worship him.
Ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate Kim Hoang Communal House – Photo: Hoai Duc Electronic Portal
The Kim Hoang Communal House in Van Canh Commune, Hoai Duc District, is situated on elevated land in the middle of the village, facing west overlooking a large courtyard and a pond, with a screen of ancient trees on one side and a decorated folding screen on the other, displaying scrolls of calligraphy and drawings. The House grounds are spacious, with two ancient banyan trees in the rear courtyard, and on both sides, there are small gates connecting to the village lanes.
Initially, the Kim Hoang Communal House consisted of a main hall in the “Yi” character shape. During the reign of King Tu Duc (1974), a rear hall was added, forming the J shape. In the Thanh Thai era (1889 – 1907), two additional left and right halls were constructed. The main hall is 3 rooms wide, with 2 large double-eaved roofs, a 4-tiered structure with 2 main roofs and 2 side roofs. It has 48 columns, divided into 6 rows, with 24 outer veranda columns, 16 middle support columns, and 8 inner roof support columns. Inside the House, many carved reliefs depicting folk images are still preserved, showcasing unique and interesting scenes such as wrestling, archery, three-masted dance, flute playing, lion riding, dragon riding, and women riding elephants or wearing festive attire.
Representatives of the leadership of Hoai Duc district presented congratulatory flowers at the Inauguration Ceremony – Photo: Hoai Duc Electronic Portal
The Kim Hoang Communal House has been officially recognized as an architectural and artistic relic according to Decision No. 993/QD dated September 28, 1990, issued by the Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Tourism. Furthermore, Kim Hoang Communal House holds the designation “Revolutionary Historical Relic” as it marks the event at 3:00 AM on August 19, 1945, when the people of Kim Hoang village and neighboring villages gathered at Kim Hoang Communal House, raised the red flag with a yellow star, and marched to Hanoi, contributing to the victory in seizing power in the capital on August 19, 1945. Additionally, Kim Hoang Communal House served as the venue for the debut and headquarters of the Provisional Revolutionary People’s Committee of Hoai Duc district on August 20, 1945.
In line with the preservation and promotion of the values of historical relics in Hanoi, in October 2021, the People’s Committee of Hoai Duc district approved the investment policy for the Restoration and Beautification Project of Kim Hoang Communal House under Decision No. 5411/QD-UBND dated October 4, 2021. The project, with a total investment of over VND 17 billion, utilized funds from the district budget and other sources.
Representatives of the leadership of Van Canh commune presented congratulatory flowers at the Inauguration Ceremony – Photo: Hoai Duc Electronic Portal
The construction commenced on September 29, 2022, and was completed on November 15, 2023, involving restoration and beautification of various components, including the Main Hall, Left Hall, Right Hall, Firefighting Water Tank, and the House’s roofing. The unique architecture of Kim Hoang Communal House, after the restoration and beautification, has enhanced its grandeur and magnificence. It caters to the cultural and spiritual needs of the local people, as well as the broader community and visitors.