Palanquin-tossing during the “Mock King” procession at Sai Temple. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Featuring solemn processions, beautiful ceremonial costumes and symbolic rites, the festival not only revives historical memories associated with the legend of the Co Loa Citadel but also reflects the enduring vitality of Vietnam’s traditional village culture in contemporary life.
From early morning, village roads in Thu Lam Commune come alive with the sounds of drums and gongs as festival flags flutter in the breeze. Residents and procession groups gather at the communal house and Sai Temple to prepare for the main rituals.
Traditional ceremonial musicians accompany the procession throughout the festival. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
A ceremonial drum troupe opens the festival, setting the rhythm for the procession. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
The festival is closely associated with the worship of Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a revered deity believed to have assisted An Duong Vuong (257 -208 BCE) in the legendary construction of the Co Loa Citadel.
The highlight of the celebration is the “Mock King” procession. Respected village elders are selected to assume the roles of king, lord and royal officials, dressed in traditional attire. According to the customs, the procession features palanquins for both the king and the lord, accompanied by attendants bearing titles such as Quan Thu Ve, Quan Tan Ly, Quan De Linh and Quan Tran Thu.
The “Mock King” procession stands out as a unique ritual, symbolizing the emperor’s ceremonial visit to pay homage to
deities.Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
The procession creates a shared cultural space where locals and visitors alike immerse themselves in a sacred and vibrant atmosphere. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
At the heart of the procession is the “Mock King,” chosen by villagers and seated on a palanquin beneath a ceremonial parasol. He is escorted by a traditional music troupe, dancers and attendants portraying court officials. The colorful procession winds through village roads to the lively sounds of ceremonial music, drawing large crowds. It pauses Dong Chau field, where the “King” descends and ascends Vong Hill to perform a reverential ceremony dedicated to Saint Huyen Thien at Sai Temple.
The elders selected to portray the King and the Lord are respected seniors known for their integrity, virtue, and exemplary family standing. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
The running palanquin procession creates a lively and energetic atmosphere. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Meanwhile, the lord’s palanquin proceeds to Thuong Temple to carry out traditional rites, including the symbolic testing of a sword and striking a stone three times, an act imbued with layers of spiritual meaning in folk history, before entering the temple to pay homage to the spirit tablet of Cao Son Dai Vuong. After the ceremonies, the “King” returns to the communal house and takes his seat on a ceremonial throne amid the cheers of villagers.
Crowds gather closely, eager to receive blessings. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Traditional ceremonial musicians accompany the procession throughout the festival. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
More than a ritual procession, the festival is a collective cultural undertaking, with residents participating in every stage, from preparations to performance, helping preserve the tradition through generations and sustain the vitality of Vietnam’s cultural heritage today.
A defining moment as the Mock King tosses blessings to the crowd. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Blessing tokens are scattered amid cheers of excitement from the crowd. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
In the procession, following the King and the Lord is the Tan Ly official, one of four dignitaries carried in palanquins as part of the ritual. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Together with the King and the Lord, the officials form the ceremonial framework, ensuring the dignity and ritual integrity of the entire procession. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
As an early spring spiritual gathering, the festival serves as a “living museum,” reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual life of the community. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
By Cong Dat/VNP Translated by Nguyen Tuoi