Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong presented the Decision recognizing the Nhat Tan Communal House Festival as a national intangible cultural heritage to the leaders and people of Nhat Tan Ward. Photo: KTDT
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Head of the Special Delegation of the Hanoi National Assembly Delegation Pham Thi Thanh Mai, Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Bach Lien Huong, leaders of relevant departments, Tay Ho District, as well as a large number of local people and visitors.
Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Bach Lien Huong presented flowers in congratulations. Photo: KTDT
The traditional festival of Nhat Tan Communal House is a profound cultural feature closely associated with Vietnamese folk culture. Its recognition as a national intangible cultural heritage not only honors the silent and persistent efforts of the local community in preserving and promoting the values of the heritage, but also promotes the responsibility of passing on and practicing the heritage in contemporary life, continuing to preserve the beauty of Vietnamese culture.
In the past, Nhat Tan Communal House was called Dien Nhat Chieu and was renamed Nhat Tan during the Khai Dinh reign. The communal house worships Duc Thanh Uy Do Dai Vuong Tran Linh Lang (Uy Linh Lang), son of Queen Minh Duc Hoang Hau. Uy Linh Lang was known for his intelligence and mastery in both civil and military affairs, widely respected near and far.
During the Tran Nhan Tong period, when the Yuan-Mongol invaders sent 400,000 troops led by General Toa Do to attack Vietnam, Uy Linh Lang submitted a petition to the king, requesting to lead troops against the enemy, and wrote a proclamation that was enthusiastically supported by the people. Uy Linh Lang formed an army called “Thien Tu Quan” and advanced to defeat the Yuan forces decisively.
After the victory, the king granted Uy Linh Lang the title Dam Dam Dai Vuong (Dai Vuong Ho Tay). Uy Linh Lang passed away at noon on the 8th day of the 8th lunar month in the year Canh Ty (1300). The king, in mourning, had a temple built at the place of his death for the people to worship, called Nhat Chieu Temple, with the royal decree bestowing the title Hien Minh Duc. To commemorate his achievements, the people of Nhat Tan Village hold annual rituals on the 10th day of the 2nd lunar month. A unique feature of the Nhat Tan Communal House traditional festival is the nighttime egg release ceremony on the Red River. In addition, there are many attractive cultural and sports activities drawing participation from locals and visitor.
This year, the Nhat Tan Communal House Festival was officially held on March 9 (10th day of the 2nd lunar month). The opening ceremony included the ritual of worshiping and cleaning the statues. Afterwards, locals and visitors offered incense. The 23rd Linh Lang Award ceremony was also held during the festival.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tay Ho District Party Secretary Le Thi Thu Hang urged the officials and people of Nhat Tan Ward to continue strictly complying with legal regulations on management, protection, and promotion of intangible cultural heritage values; to develop plans for preserving and promoting the values of the Nhat Tan Communal House Festival; to study and document the festival; organize educational and teaching activities; and encourage local communities to actively participate in practicing and preserving traditional rituals. In addition, she emphasized promoting the application of digital technology in preserving and enhancing intangible cultural values. Applying technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence will help digitize the unique activities of the Nhat Tan Communal House Festival, enabling people to access and experience these activities online
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