Hanoi expects all festive events in 2024 to be cost-effective and practical, without religious fanaticism, a meeting heard on January 23.

Huong Pagoda Festival in 2023. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Local authorities have been asked to ensure safety during the events, and the festivals must be in line with local socio-economic development, said Tran Thi Van Anh, deputy director of Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports.

"Ritual activities must conform to traditional cultures, and visitors must mind their behavior and actions to honor cultural values and preserve relics," she said.

The deputy director asked that relic managers and staff be instructed on how to receive visitors and ensure the local environment, safety and traditional preservation.

At the meeting, representatives from local communes and districts in Hanoi pledged to make their festivals special and attractive to tourists and visitors.

Together, they agreed to draw up a set of criteria for a good environment for traditional festivals in the city.

Dang Thi Mai, Head of Dong Da District's Culture and Information Office, said they had been given tasks by the district government to prepare for the Dong Da Hill Festival.

This year's festival falls on February 14-16, or the 5th-7th day of the Lunar New Year. A main ceremony will be held on the first day, followed by a performance by Hanoi cai luong (reformed opera) performers.

"We expect to complete all preparations before the festival begins. This year, we reserve a place for motorbike and car parking and making sure that no unauthorized vendors and kiosks appear during the event," she said.

Tong Giang Phuc, Head of Soc Son District's Culture and Information Office, said the district is expecting more visitors to the Giong Temple festival this year.

"We have allocated a large space for folk games and other cultural activities for visitors. All the preparations have been completed," he said.

Soc Son District hopes to welcome a total of 1,000 local people from eight local villages to join the parade.

Hanoi is home to more than 1,600 ritual and cultural events that can last from a few days to several months. Among the most popular festivals are the Dong Da Hill Festival (Dong Da District), the Giong Temple Festival (Soc Son District) and the Huong (Perfume) Pagoda Festival (My Duc District).

Dong Da Hill Festival is held every year by the authorities and people of Dong Da District to commemorate the victory of the Vietnamese army led by Emperor Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue against the Chinese Qing invaders in the late 18th century. The festival falls on the fifth day of the first lunar month.

The Giong Temple Festival aims to honor Saint Giong, or the Celestial General of Phu Dong. Saint Giong is one of the four immortals in Vietnamese culture, as he defeated the northern enemy and defended national sovereignty in ancient times. The festival begins on the sixth day of the first lunar month.

Huong Pagoda Festival is held in My Duc District from the sixth day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month. At Huong Pagoda, visitors can see Huong Tich Cave, which is considered one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam.