Dong Da Mound Festival 2025

The Dong Da Mound Festival, also known as the Victory Festival, is organized to commemorate the heroic victories against foreign invaders led by King Quang Trung. The festival embraces traditional ceremonies, vibrant floral flags, and the rhythmic beat of war drums, evoking the spirit of battle and reviving the glorious history of the Vietnamese.

A glimpse into Dong Da Mound Festival

Dong Da Festival unfolds amidst the historic landscape of Dong Da, Hanoi. This grand celebration is one of the largest in Vietnam and takes place on the 4th of the Lunar New Year.

Historical origins of the festival

Dong Da mound, located along Tay Son Street in Hanoi, serves as both a historical site and a tourist attraction. Over 200 years ago, this mound witnessed a monumental and heroic battle during the period of resistance against the invading Qing forces. When the Thanh Dynasty launched an invasion, Nguyen Hue, who later ascended to the throne as Emperor Quang Trung, performed a coronation ceremony and commanded his troops northward to reclaim independence.

From the night of the 4th to the morning of the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, Dong Da mound is the place where a monumental battle against the Qing forces. Under the command of King Quang Trung, the Tay Son army achieved a glorious victory, securing the nation's borders and bringing peace to the Vietnamese people.

Dong Da Mound - A historical landmark in the heart of Hanoi

To honor the achievements of King Quang Trung and the Tay Son army, the people organized a victory festival to celebrate this illustrious triumph. Today, Dong Da Festival is an annual event that commemorates the remarkable contributions of Emperor Quang Trung, the Tay Son generals, and the courageous Vietnamese who fought and sacrificed against foreign invaders.

Significance of Dong Da Festival

Dong Da Mound Festival commemorates the victorious battle of Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da. Beyond remembering the contributions of King Quang Trung, the festival venerates the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people. Held annually, the festival serves as an educational platform for future generations, imparting the spiritual values of our forefathers, and highlighting the rapid military maneuvers and decisive strategies employed by the Tay Son army. Dong Da Festival stands as a living testament to the indomitable courage of the Vietnamese in their fight against foreign aggression.

The festival takes place annually on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year

Distinctive features of the Dong Da Mound Festival

The Mound Festival in Dong Da not only captures the participation of Hanoi locals but also draws in holidaymakers from across the nation, making it a truly national celebration.

Ceremonial aspect

As a nationally recognized event, the Dong Da Mound Festival is marked by elaborate ceremonies:

• Rituals and royal procession: The procession featuring King Quang Trung and Queen Ngoc Han's royal carriage is a grandeur spectacle. The procession moves slowly, allowing spectators to witness the meticulous and majestic nature of the festival. Bringing up the rear of the procession is the symbolic Fire Dragon.
• Offerings and speeches: Upon reaching Dong Da mound, offerings are made, and speeches are delivered to commemorate the heroic achievements and praise the strategic brilliance of King Quang Trung.
• Communal prayer: The people prayer segment takes place in the afternoon of the same day at two locations: Boc Pagoda and Dong Quang Pagoda. Boc Pagoda is dedicated to praying for the fallen soldiers of the Tay Son dynasty who valiantly sacrificed themselves to safeguard the independence of Vietnam. In addition to remembering the contributions of national heroes, the community also conducts prayers for the fallen Qing soldiers in this battle at Dong Quang Pagoda.

Dong Da Mound Festival holds special significance during the Lunar New Year

Festival fair

The festive segment of the Dong Da Mound Festival unfolds with grandeur at Dong Da Cultural Park in Hanoi. The ceremonial drumming, accompanied by traditional cheers from the crowd, adds an extra layer of liveliness to the atmosphere, setting the stage for an exuberant celebration.

A highlight of the festival is the performance depicting the establishment and defense of the nation by King Quang Trung. Actors from the Vietnam Cheo Theater take on the responsibility of reenacting the historic events, portraying the resilience of the Vietnamese forces in repelling the Mongol Yuan invaders. This performance showcases the rich cultural and folk artistic elements, aiming to honor the martial spirit and create an enthusiastic ambiance for the upcoming year.

The festival begins with a drum performance at the foot of the statue of King Quang Trung

Because King Quang Trung hails from the martial land of Binh Dinh, the festival features intense martial arts battles on this significant day. The allure of these competitions lies in their inclusivity, as both men and women actively participate, showcasing the martial prowess of the community.

A common feature of spring festivals is the abundance of captivating games that attract thousands of tourists. Alongside eagerly anticipated large-scale games, numerous smaller games provide opportunities for both locals and visitors to engage. 

The festival attracts a large number of visitors every year

Dong Da Mound Festival stands as a testament to Vietnam's rich history and cultural resilience. Plan your visit to Vietnam and immerse yourself in the magic of this festival. Discover the beauty, history, and traditions that make Hanoi a must-visit destination.