Jul - 04 - 2025
Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival in Me Linh, Hanoi, is one of Vietnam’s most unique and meaningful traditional festivals. Every year, the festival is solemnly held with various rituals. It attracts large numbers of locals and visitors from across the country. They come to offer incense, pay their respects, and honor the great contributions of the two Trung Sisters.
Overview of the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival in Me Linh
The festival takes place annually from the 4th to the 10th day of the first lunar month, with the main celebration held on the 6th day. It is hosted at the Hai Ba Trung Temple, located in Ha Loi Village, Me Linh Commune, Hanoi City.
Overview of the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival
The Hai Ba Trung Temple in Me Linh is a well-known historical destination. This sacred heritage site was built to commemorate and honor the two national heroines, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi. They led an uprising against the Han invaders in the 1st century. According to legend, this land was closely tied to the sisters’ childhood and was also where they raised their banner of rebellion to reclaim the country’s freedom.
The temple was originally constructed during the Early Ly Dynasty and has undergone several restorations throughout subsequent dynasties, especially during the Le and Nguyen periods. Despite the renovations, it has preserved its ancient architectural charm.
Today, the Hai Ba Trung Temple remains notable for its traditional architectural features and numerous artifacts, including large, solemn statues of Trưng Trac and Trưng Nhi clad in powerful armor. The temple grounds also include a spacious courtyard used for cultural activities and folk games during festivals, especially the annual traditional Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival.
Significance of the festival
The Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival in Me Linh is a traditional cultural event held annually to honor patriotism. It commemorates the great contributions of the Trung Sisters, along with their subordinate generals. Their uprising overthrew Eastern Han rule and reclaimed national independence between 40 and 43 AD. The festival reminds younger generations of the Vietnamese moral tradition of “Remembering the source when drinking water.” It fosters national pride and helps preserve the country's long-standing cultural identity. It is also a spiritual occasion and an opportunity to promote the image of the Hai Ba Trung Temple, a distinctive cultural landmark of Me Linh.
The Festival at the Temple of the Trung Sisters is a spiritual and cultural event held to honor and pay tribute to the heroic contributions of the national heroines
Ceremonial part of the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival
The festival is organized by both state protocol and local traditions. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique culture of Me Linh District in particular, and Northern Vietnam in general.
Incense offering ceremony
The incense offering ceremony is held on the morning of the 6th day of the first lunar month at the Hai Ba Trung Temple. This is a significant ritual that attracts the participation of local leaders, officials, residents, and visitors from all over. In the tranquil atmosphere of the temple, participants wear traditional attire and carefully arrange offerings, including incense, flowers, fruits, and locally distinctive items in front of the altar dedicated to the Trung Sisters.
As the incense offering ceremony begins, the officiant prays aloud, expressing deep respect and gratitude to the Trung Sisters. At the same time, they pray for national peace, abundant harvests, and the well-being and happiness of the local people.
Incense Offering Ceremony at the Hai Ba Trung Temple
Procession of the Trung Sisters' palanquin
The palanquin procession at the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival is a solemn and meaningful ritual held on the main festival day to honor the contributions of the Trung Sisters. The procession includes a palanquin carrying their statues along with ceremonial offerings, all beautifully decorated in traditional colors such as red and gold, with dragon and phoenix motifs symbolizing power and sacredness. Leading the procession are village elders dressed in traditional attire, followed by groups of young men and women, students, and residents, all in formal ceremonial attire.
The procession starts at the main temple and moves to other worship sites in the area, accompanied by the steady beat of drums and traditional music, creating a deeply respectful atmosphere. As the procession passes by, people on both sides of the road light incense, pray, and bow their heads to show respect for the two national heroines. The palanquin procession is a traditional cultural ritual that also strengthens community bonds and helps people come together in remembrance of the Trung Sisters’ great contributions to the nation.
The people of Me Linh organize a palanquin procession for the Trung Sisters
Cultural activities and folk games
The Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival in Me Linh offers visitors exciting traditional folk games along with the chance to enjoy captivating performances and folk singing.
Folk games
At the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival, traditional folk games are an essential part of the celebration, bringing a joyful atmosphere, fostering connection, and adding vibrant cultural flavor to the event. Popular games such as wrestling, tug of war, stick pushing, blindfolded goat catching, and Chinese chess attract large numbers of locals and visitors alike. Wrestling showcases strength and agility as competitors engage in exciting matches that energize the crowd. Tug of war and stick pushing emphasize teamwork, endurance, and coordination, reflecting unity and sportsmanship among participants. The blindfolded goat-catching game adds moments of laughter and amusement, while Chinese chess highlights strategy and intellect in a relaxed and friendly competition.
These folk games not only offer entertainment but also help preserve and promote Vietnam’s traditional cultural values, creating a festive space rich in national identity. They allow younger generations to immerse themselves in the festival spirit, appreciate, and take pride in the long-standing cultural and historical heritage of their homeland.
Joining the fun tug-of-war game
Traditional performances
At the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival, traditional performances and folk singing are vibrant cultural highlights that bring a joyful and deeply folkloric atmosphere to the event. The performances vividly reenact the heroic uprising of the Trung Sisters, sharing touching stories of patriotism and the unyielding spirit of these two national heroines.
Through heartfelt melodies and simple storytelling, locals and visitors gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s history and glorious victories, evoking a strong sense of national pride. These performances are not only a form of cultural entertainment but also a meaningful way to preserve and promote Vietnam’s valuable traditional heritage. They create a warm, communal spirit and help keep the soul of the nation alive through generations.
Enjoying traditional folk melodies at the festival
Historical and cultural exhibition
As part of the festival, a dedicated historical and cultural exhibition area attracts many visitors and locals. It offers an opportunity to learn about the nation’s heroic past. The exhibition features valuable artifacts such as photographs, documents, and relics related to the Trung Sisters' uprising. These items help vividly recreate the historical setting of the resistance against the Han Dynasty in the first century. Displayed items include ancient battle maps, old military uniforms, statues, and illustrated paintings of the Trung Sisters. Everything is arranged in a solemn and traditional atmosphere.
In addition, the exhibition presents written accounts, stories, and records about the sisters’ lives and their revolutionary journey. These materials help viewers better understand their heroic spirit and strong will. This exhibition space is not only a place to preserve history. It also serves as a meaningful educational experience for younger generations, inspiring national pride and helping to protect and promote Vietnam’s valuable cultural heritage.
The Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival is a profound expression of gratitude to two national heroines, while also promoting patriotism and traditional cultural values. This sacred event draws visitors from across Vietnam and abroad. Begin planning your Vietnam trip today and experience the spiritual charm and cultural vibrancy of this timeless festival in Me Linh, Hanoi.
