HÀ NỘI - The Quận Hai Bà Trưng is set to celebrate the 1985th anniversary of the Hai Bà Trưng uprising, coinciding with the annual Lễ hội đền Hai Bà Trưng. This traditional festival will be held from March 4-6, 2025, and aims to honor the valiant efforts of the two legendary heroines, Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, who led the Vietnamese uprising against oppressive Han rule.
The uprising, which occurred in March 40 AD, arose from the harsh oppression of the Han feudal regime, represented by the official Tô Định. Under the astute leadership of the Hai Bà sisters, the revolt quickly spread across the nation, leading to the collapse of the Han government's forces. The triumph of this uprising is celebrated as an enduring heroic saga reflecting the indomitable spirit and aspiration for independence of the Vietnamese people.
Every spring, as the season awakens, the people of Quận Hai Bà Trưng gather to recount and commemorate this momentous chapter of history. Remarkably, more than 400 temples have been established across Vietnam to honor the figures of the Hai Bà and the generals associated with their movement. Specifically, there are three principal temples dedicated to the Hai Bà Trưng sisters located within Hanoi: Hạ Lôi Temple, where festivities are held on the sixth day of the first lunar month; Hát Môn Temple, commemorated on the sixth day of the third lunar month; and Đồng Nhân Temple, where the statues of the sisters were originally brought ashore.
The district's pride extends to its official recognition as a special national heritage site, bestowed upon the architectural and artistic heritage of the Hai Bà Trưng temples and pagodas back in 2019.
To kick off this year's festivities, Quận Hai Bà Trưng is honored to host the announcement of the inclusion of the Lễ hội đền Hai Bà Trưng festival on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, affirming it as part of the cultural legacy of the Vietnamese community. This event is anticipated to educate the public on the immense contributions of these historical figures, emphasizing the nationalistic fervor they embodied throughout Vietnam's fight against colonial rule.
During the three-day festivity, multiple traditional activities will take place. Beginning with the offering of incense and water rituals on the morning of March 4, the Quận will also host programs introducing Hanoi's cultural tourism for the year 2025, culminating with the highlight of the festival—the official announcement recognizing the Lễ hội đền Hai Bà Trưng as part of the national intangible cultural heritage.
Among the various festivities planned, participants can expect nearly 20 stalls showcasing local crafts, traditional games, and cultural performances including lion dances, calligraphy, and folk art shows, making the festival not just a historical commemoration but also a vibrant cultural exchange.
According to Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Anh, head of the Quận Hai Bà Trưng’s Department of Culture, Science, and Information, the festival aims to cultivate the spirit of remembering one's roots, “Uống nước nhớ nguồn,” which translates to “Drink water and think of its source.” This philosophy serves to instill values of patriotism and resilience among future generations.
By recalling the legacy of the Hai Bà Trưng, the event not only preserves cultural traditions but also promotes socio-economic development within Quận Hai Bà Trưng, contributing to the overall progress of Hanoi as it strives to become ever more civilized and prosperous.
Overall, the upcoming celebration of the 1985th anniversary of the Hai Bà Trưng uprising and the recognition of the Lễ hội đền Hai Bà Trưng festival as part of Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage signifies both reverence for history and hope for the future. The festival embodies the strength, courage, and unity of the Vietnamese people, serving as a beacon of national pride and cultural integrity.