Hanoi wet market bustling ahead of Vu Lan Festival

Held annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the Vu Lan Festival, also known as "All Souls’ Day," is Vietnam’s second largest traditional celebration after the Lunar New Year (Tet). In preparation for the occasion, Hang Be wet market bustles with activity from early morning, as locals gather to purchase offerings for the festival.

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Traditional dishes always attract a large number of buyers.

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Roasted birds have long been an essential offering during the Vu Lan Festival.

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Plates of sticky rice cost between VND30,000 and VND35,000 each.

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Many people line up to purchase traditional offerings such as boiled chicken, with prices ranging from VND400,000 to VND600,000 each, depending on size and presentation.

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Many local families prepare offering trays as a way to honour and worship their ancestors on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.

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Nem (spring rolls) or fried shrimp are popular items with customers these days.

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Fresh flowers are among the best-selling items during this period.

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Hoa mẫu đơn đỏ (Peony red) flowers symbolize sacred maternal love, expressing the filial piety of descendants towards their ancestors. Those flowers are often chosen by many families to offer on the altar during the Vu Lan Festival.

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According to traders, prices remain relatively stable, with only slight fluctuations compared to regular days

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Boiled chicken, roasted birds and sticky rice draw much plenty of customers.

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Many stores have also launched online sales services to meet the growing demand from local residents.

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Vietnamese people believe that on this day, the souls of the departed return home to reunite with their families. As such, it is a meaningful occasion for family gatherings and a time to express love, respect, and gratitude to ancestors and parents.

Hanoi wet market bustling ahead of Vu Lan Festival

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