The Unique Features of the Khai Ha Festival at Ngoi Communal House, Hoa Binh Ward

On February 24-25 (the 8th and 9th days of the first lunar month, Year of the Horse), the People’s Committee of Hoa Binh Ward solemnly organized the 2026 Khai Ha Festival at Ngoi Communal House in an atmosphere of reverence and deep traditional identity.

An artistic performance at the 2026 Khai Ha Festival, Ngoi Communal House.

The Khai Ha Festival at Ngoi Communal House is a long-standing cultural and religious activity intertwined with the spiritual life of the local people. The communal house is dedicated to the Three Mountain Gods of Tan Vien , who are honored with the title "Tan Vien Son Thanh Quoc Chu Dai Vuong." These deities symbolize the strength to resist foreign invaders and the dream of conquering nature, as people pray for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. The festival embodies the moral principle of “When drinking water, remember its source,” contributing to traditional education and strengthening national unity.

The Organizing Committee beats the drum to officially open the Khai Ha Festival.

This year’s festival was held as the locality officially implemented the two-level local government model—a significant milestone in the process of organizational restructuring. Amidst this flow of innovation, traditional cultural values like the Khai Ha Festival continue to be cherished, preserved, and promoted, serving as a spiritual anchor for the sustainable development of the ward.

The rituals of water and “rice soul” procession at the festival.

The ritual section was conducted solemnly with traditional ceremonies, including the Water Procession, Rice Soul Procession, and incense offering at Ngoi Communal House. Notably, during the Hour of the Dragon (7:30 AM) on the 9th day of the first lunar month, the rituals of summoning the souls of water and rice were performed, expressing aspirations for a prosperous new crop and a happy, affluent life for the people. The resounding festival drum officially kicked off the festivities amidst the joy of locals and tourists alike.

The offering and incense rituals at Ngoi Communal House.

The festive section was vibrant with various cultural and sporting activities, such as men’s and women’s air volleyball; traditional ethnic sports including stick pushing, tug-of-war, and crossbow shooting; and artistic exchanges. The festival also featured displays of signature local culinary trays and traditional folk games such as Chinese chess, swinging, shuttlecock throwing, blindfolded duck catching, and pot breaking, attracting large crowds and fostering a joyful spirit of solidarity.

Hong Duyen