Water procession at Nghe Temple, Dong Communal House

Nghe Temple and Dong Communal House are relic complexes in the historical relic system of Van Lang commune, Ha Hoa district. Nghe Temple honors two excellent generals, Le A Lan and Le Anh Tuan, who helped the Trung Sisters battle the enemy and save their realm. The Dong community house honors the village’s Tutelary God, who gave birth to Van Lang village in the past. Every year on January 10, people prepare offerings and undertake specific ceremonies to honor their ancestors.

Nghe Temple - Dinh Dong Festival in Van Lang commune, Ha Hoa district, was designated a National Historical and Cultural Relic on January 28, 1992.

According to legend, during the fight with the Han army, Ms. Le A Lan was designated General of Noi Thi, Mr. Le Anh Tuan was chosen Commander of the Great General to defend the Thao river. When he got in Van Lang land, he noticed that it had lovely land, so he tented and built a hamlet as a base to battle the enemy and recruit men. With their strategic talents and bravery in combat, they gained several accolades, including being bestowed the Tay Son religion by Trung Sisters. Since then, Van Lang land has been steadily enlarged and solidified. When the two sisters died, Trung Sisters was deeply saddened and ordered Van Lang to construct a shrine for the two generals, complete with incense and smoke, to express thanks for their achievements. On January 28, 1992, the Ministry of Culture and Information designated this site as a National Historical and Cultural Monument.

The traditional water procession rituals at Nghe Temple, Dong Communal House.

Every year, on January 10 (the primary celebration), members of the commune would assemble to prepare offerings and organize sacrifice. The celebration begins with a water procession ceremonial from Nghe temple, which includes the flag fan, the Bat Am ward, and the dragon palanquin, which holds the vase (A blue enameled ceramic vase adorned with dragons and phoenixes to store holy water), with parasols on both sides.

When the procession reaches the riverside, it will halt and let the flag team to run around three times to reenact Hai Ba Trung’s army chasing To Dinh’s army. When the palanquin arrived at the riverbank, the party halted, carried the vase, and placed it on a boat in the middle of the river. The village elders picked the clearest and cleanest water spot in the river, scooped water with a copper ladle, and poured it into the vase. The water vase is then placed on a palanquin and transported to Nghe temple, where the gods live. The flag team run around three times again before returning Nghe Temple, Dong Communal House.

Following the Water Procession rituals, there is a magnificent celebration in which locals offered goods like as fruits, candy, and sticky rice. In addition, the Van Lang village festival hosts other folk games to enhance the festival’s attractiveness.

Mr. Le Trung Thanh, Chairman of the Van Lang Commune People’s Committee, stated: "The Nghe Temple, Dong Communal House Festival is strongly related with the agricultural worship beliefs of ancient Vietnamese people. The Water Procession ceremony has been around for a long time and is very important for farmers who pray for good rain, winds, harvests, health, wealth, and happy families. The yearly celebration demonstrates responsibility, respect, and gratitude for the contributions of predecessors. This is a cultural treasure that helps to educate future generations about patriotism, the “When drinking water, remember its source” mentality, and national pride.

Some photos from the festival:

Ha Trang - Phuong Thuy