Incense-offering ceremony at the statue of Emperor Quang Trung at Đống Đa Park in Đống Đa District, Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

HÀ NỘI A festival commemorating the 235th anniversary of the historic Ngọc Hồi – Đống Đa Victory over the Qing Invaders (1789 - 2024) is being held at Đống Đa Park in Đống Đa District, Hà Nội, attracting thousands of visitors from far and wide.

The Ngọc Hồi – Đống Đa Victory celebration, also known as Đống Đa Festival, aims to honour the victory of Emperor Quang Trung (Nguyễn Huệ) and his Tây Sơn troops against the invading forces of the Qing dynasty in China on the early morning of the 5th day of the first lunar month of 1789.

Speaking at the opening of the festival, Lê Tuấn Định, chairman of Đống Đa District People's Committee, emphasised that the Ngọc Hồi – Đống Đa Victory demonstrates the remarkable military tactics of Emperor Quang Trung and the unwavering determination of fighting of the whole nation.

It also represents the national unity, patriotism, and aspiration for freedom and independence that have been upheld by generations. With this victory, Vietnamese people defeated all foreign invasions and safeguarded the nation's independence and sovereignty, he said.

Early yesterday morning, residents in ceremonial dress gathered to prepare for the palanquin procession from Khương Thượng Communal House to the Đống Đa Mound historical site that witnessed fierce battles between Vietnamsese soldiers and Chinese invaders more than two centuries ago.

The procession was followed by an incense-offering ceremony at the statue of Emperor Quang Trung and recitation of epic poems that praise the victory.

The three-day festival includes various traditional folk games and art performances like water puppetry, quan họ (love duet) and chầu văn (ritual) singing.

Vũ Viết Cảnh, a 70-year-old member of the worship delegation and participant in the incense-offering ritual, expressed his pride and emotions in attending this important ceremony to show gratitude and pay respects to national heroes.

"This festival needs to be preserved in its true meaning and passed down to future generations," he said, adding that he and others have participated in the incense-offering ritual at the Đống Đa festival for over a decade.

The highlight of the festival that attracted multiple visitors is the reenactment of the battle led by Emperor Quang Trung to expel the Qing invaders to liberate the capital city Thăng Long in the spring of 235 years ago.The show is performed by artists from the Việt Nam Tuồng Theatre.

The reenactment of the battle led by Emperor Quang Trung to expel the Qing invaders to liberate the capital city Thăng Long in the spring of 235 years ago. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

Actor Vũ Mạnh Linh, who played Emperor Quang Trung, said he felt immensely proud to portray this heroic figure of Việt Nam.

"Though it's not my first time taking on a role, I still feel nervous, striving to depict Emperor Quang Trung within the grand and solemn atmosphere," Linh told vietnamnet.vn.

Đống Đa Festival lasts until tomorrow. VNS