Vieng market is a special market that takes place only once a year, on the evening of the 7th and the day of the 8th of January. According to our observations, from noon on February 16th (the 7th day of the lunar month), thousands of people from all regions have flocked to the Vieng market area – Phu Day to visit and shop.
According to belief, going to Vieng market to “buy luck, sell risk” will bring prosperity in business. Both the sellers and buyers don’t bargain or haggle. Buying and selling here has a spiritual significance, as people believe that just buying or selling anything will bring good luck.
Vieng market sells a variety of goods, from plants, seeds to buffalo and cow meat, as well as agricultural tools… Among them, the stalls selling beef attract many tourists.
The market takes place from Goi town to Kim Thai commune to Trung Thanh commune, with the central area being the vicinity of Phu Day relic site in Kim Thai commune.
The authorities make every effort to ensure security and order at the market.
Aside from going to Vieng market, visitors also prepare offerings to visit Phu Day – one of the largest cultural and spiritual areas in the North.
The pathways in Phu Day are crowded with people since the evening of February 16th.
Inside the main shrine of Tien Huong, people squeeze to offer their prayers.
People carrying trays for offerings have to constantly move forward into the main shrine.
Despite the crowdedness, many people remain joyful and enthusiastic. Nguyen Hoang Anh (Hanoi) said: “Every year, I visit Phu Day to offer my prayers on this day. The atmosphere here makes me feel very comfortable. Although there are many people here, everyone is happy and optimistic”.
People respectfully bowing their heads.
Phu Day is associated with the legend of Goddess Lieu Hanh, an iconic figure in Vietnam’s “Four Immortals” with the ritual of singing chau van – hau dong.
People line up for the prayer ceremony at Phu Day late at night.
As the night goes on, more and more people gather for the ceremony.
