Hanoi market bustling for pest-killing festival

It’s traditionally said the fifth lunar month is the time for seasonal transition from spring to summer, with the climate typically being conducive to the resurgence of insects and diseases. The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is observed as the day of launching a campaign to kill insects to protect crops and wipe out diseases to protect people’s health.

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Among offerings to ancestors, Rượu nếp (fermented glutinous rice) is an indispensable dish. It’s believed that eating such rice can help kill worms and improve people’s health.

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On average, a one-kilo package of fermented glutinous rice costs VND80,000-100,000.

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Fermented glutinous rice is commonly stored in plastic boxes, costing between VND25,000-50,000 each depending on sizes.

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In the old days, Vietnamese people maintained the custom of eating sour fruit, glutinous rice wine and Tro cake as soon as they woke up, believing these things would eradicate diseases.

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A tray of offerings to ancestors on this occasion often comprises flowers, fruits and fermented glutinous rice.

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Tro cake, a type of cake cooked from glutinous rice with mistletoe ash, is also a popular item for customers to purchase at the market, costing between VND10,000 and VND15,000 each.

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Several different types of fruit such as plums and lychees which have a fresh and sour taste are very suitable to enjoy during the festival.

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Shops selling flowers and decorative items also attract a large number of buyers. A bunch of lotus flowers is worth VND120,000.

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Thanh Ha market in Hoan Kiem district is bustling on June 10 morning as people flock to the wet market to prepare offerings for the occasion.

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The Doan Ngo Festival falls on June 10 this year. On this day, people often prepare offerings to ancestors and pray for bumper crops, good business, and good luck.