Hanoi votive paper village falls quiet during Vu Lan Festival

Phuc Am village in Thuong Tin district is renowned locally for making and shipping votive papers during the Vu Lan Festival held annually before the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. Although the area is at its busiest during the period dubbed “ghost month”, the scene is very different now.

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Situated approximately 20km to the south of Hanoi, the votive paper village is left deserted these days, appearing in stark contrast to previous years.

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There has been a sharp downturn in customers compared to previous years as social distancing measures have been in place in many cities and provinces across the nation.

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Materials used to produce votive paper items have not been used for a long time.

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A household continues working despite the recent downturn, hoping that people will consume these products when the COVID-19 pandemic is finally controlled in a couple of days.

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A large item costs VND50,000, whilst smaller ones are worth between VND15,000 and VND30,000. Their work would typically earn VND100,000 each day for every person in previous years, but now the pandemic has made locals unable to transport goods.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant influence on the economy, and families are tightening their belt during the social distancing period. It also results in a sharp decline in customers’ orders from previous years.

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Mr. Hung, 66, shares that the recent fall in revenue started from March this year, and the problem has been exacerbated since Hanoi imposed social distancing measures. With a large amount of votive paper in stock, many local villagers are thinking ways of making ends meet in the coming weeks.