Dong Nhan Festival, Hanoi

The Trung Sisters, two Vietnamese heroines who led a rebellion against the Han invaders (40-43 AD) are not only worshipped in Hanoi, but also in Dong Nhan village (Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi). Dong Nhan village holds its festival from the third to the sixth day of the second lunar month, date when villagers recovered the statues of the two sisters in the Red River. The festival is divided into two parts: the Red River water procession and the worshipping ceremony. The Red River water procession is the main part and is associated with both agricultural and religious beliefs as well as historical personalities. The solemn procession leaves the temple with elephants, flags and thousands of people towards the Red River from which the water is taken to bathe the Trung Sisters’ statues. The ceremony in honour of the Trung Sisters starts as soon as the procession returns to the temple. After the ceremony, ten young girls take part in the lamp dance. Each wears long black dresses and red belts and holds two lanterns. The dance is led by a young man wearing a long black dress, white trousers and a gauze turban. The movement of lights along with the dancers’ graceful gestures is a very interesting piece of folk culture greatly appreciated by all. The festival ends on the following day when people gather and hold a concluding ceremony which is followed by a game of human chess.