The Tich Dien Festival in Ha Nam is a cherished cultural event celebrating the spirit of agriculture, deeply rooted in the image of the "king plowing the fields" as a tribute to farmers and a wish for a prosperous harvest.

A royal tradition revived

On the morning of February 4 (the 7th day of the Lunar New Year), the Tich Dien Do Son Festival 2025 took place in Tien Son Commune, Duy Tien Town, Ha Nam Province.

According to historical records, the festival dates back to the spring of 987, when King Le Dai Hanh personally plowed the fields at the foot of Do Mountain to emphasize the importance of agriculture - known as dĩ nông vi bản (agriculture as the foundation of the nation).

Subsequent dynasties continued this tradition to honor farmers and promote agriculture. However, over time, the festival gradually faded. It wasn’t until 2009 that Ha Nam Province officially revived the event, attracting thousands of locals and visitors annually.

The festival began with a dragon dance, symbolizing reverence for heaven and earth and expressing hopes for a prosperous year.

Accompanying the dragon dance was the ceremonial drum performance, led by local residents to officially open the festival. The rhythmic drumming, combined with the dynamic dragon dance and the enthusiastic cheers of spectators, created an electrifying atmosphere to welcome the new year.

Following this, artisan Pham Chi Khang represented the community in reciting an offering prayer to the God of Agriculture and the spirit of King Le Dai Hanh. Local officials and attendees then performed a ritual to pay homage, praying for favorable weather and bountiful harvests in the year ahead.

Reenacting the king’s ceremonial plowing

After the incense offering, a respected elder donned an imperial robe and mask, embodying the spirit of the ancient king. With solemnity and reverence, he stepped onto the field, symbolizing royal dedication to agriculture.

As part of the ritual, young village women followed behind, sowing seeds into the freshly plowed soil, representing wishes for a fruitful and abundant harvest.

Thousands of attendees eagerly gathered to witness the reenactment of the "king plowing the fields," a spectacle that has become the heart of the festival.

Beyond the ceremonial plowing, the Tich Dien Do Son Festival also featured traditional folk games such as monkey bridge crossings and swing contests. These activities not only brought joy to participants but also vividly revived the cultural essence of Vietnam’s rural villages.

Trong Tung