Hanoi’s leader has asked localities to suspend all spring festivals as the Covid-19 pandemic is spreading widely. 

The Huong Pagoda is one of the biggest spring celebrations in Vietnam. Photo: Lai Tan

The request was made by Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Xuan Dung at a meeting on Covid-19 prevent and control on February 13. He has requested My Duc district’s authorities to cancel long-standing spring festivals like the one at Huong Pagoda and stop welcoming visitors until the 15th day of the Lunar Year.

Speaking at the meeting, My Duc district’s authorities confirmed the cancellation of the Huong Pagoda festival, which usually lasts from the sixth day of the first lunar month to the last day of the third lunar month (February 17-May 11) in Huong Son commune, My Duc district. The Huong Pagoda festival is one of the biggest spring celebrations in Vietnam, attracting up to a million of visitors every year.

The organizing board of the Dong Da festival, which usually takes place on the fifth day of the first month in the lunar calendar, also made a decision to cancel the event.

Normally, Vietnamese, especially Buddhists, have a long tradition of visiting pagodas and temples in the first lunar month to pray for peace and luck in the new year.

Earlier, the Hanoi Party Committee canceled the firework displays in 30 places citywide on Lunar Year’s Eve as the Covid-19 pandemic is spreading widely.

Cities and provinces across the country are ordered to enforce five anti-Covid-19 measures such as wearing face masks, cleaning hands, keeping proper distance from other people, avoiding gatherings and making health declarations. Those who violate the preventive measures will be heavily fined.

Local people are required to restrict their travel to a minimum during the Tet holiday, and limit attendance at funerals, weddings, year-end ceremonies, festivals and religious activities.