Visitors and locals enthusiastically cheer on teams competing in the bánh chưng wrapping and cooking contest at the Hùng Kings Temple Historical Site in Phú Thọ. — Photos baoxaydung.vn

PHÚ THỌ — Eighteen teams comprising 180 artisans representing 148 communes and wards across Phú Thọ gathered at the Hùng Kings Temple Historical Site on April 24 for the province’s first contest on wrapping and cooking bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and pounding bánh giầy (round glutinous rice cakes).

The teams were divided into clusters to compete in two categories: wrapping and cooking bánh chưng, and pounding bánh giầy, reflecting both the scale and organisation of the event.

In the bánh chưng category, each team was required to wrap 10 cakes using 5kg of glutinous rice, 1kg of mung beans and 1kg of pork within a maximum of eight minutes, before boiling them for five hours.

Meanwhile, the bánh giầy challenge saw contestants steam 5kg of glutinous rice into sticky rice within 30 minutes, then pound and shape 10 cakes in just 15 minutes.

All ingredients were prepared by the teams in accordance with traditional standards, including pre-soaked glutinous rice, cooked mung beans, pork, spices and dong leaves.

The one-day contest featured bánh chưng wrapping and cooking in the morning, followed by bánh giầy pounding in the afternoon, while the cluster-based format created opportunities for exchange and connection among localities, particularly following recent administrative restructuring.

Thanks to careful preparation and strong teamwork, many teams completed the wrapping of 10 bánh chưng in just three to five minutes, showcasing the remarkable skills and experience of local artisans.

All teams completed wrapping and decorating their bánh chưng ahead of the allotted time, demonstrating impressive skill and coordination.

More than a competition, the event vividly recreated the ancient practice of preparing ritual offerings to the Hùng Kings, where the square bánh chưng and round bánh giầy symbolically reflect the harmony of earth and sky, helping honour traditional cultural values, foster national pride, and strengthen community bonds.

It also contributes to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Hùng Kings era and the Worship of Hùng Kings, a heritage recognised by UNESCO.

According to the organisers, each category will award one special prize, one first prize, three second prizes, six third prizes, and seven consolation prizes. The top teams will be selected to represent their localities in performing ritual offerings to the Hùng Kings during the 2027 commemoration.

In line with the spirit of Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on developing culture as a driving force for sustainable development, such initiatives are increasingly transforming traditional practices into living cultural experiences, where heritage is not only preserved, but actively revitalised and shared with wider audiences. — VNS