Interesting Novruz festival in Hanoi: unique cuisine and customs

Many delegates attended the event. Photo: Hoang Nam

Novruz Bayram is one of the most important holidays in Azerbaijan, with a history of more than 3,000 years and recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, and recognized by the United Nations as an International Holiday. This holiday marks the spring equinox, when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing a new beginning, the victory of light over darkness, and reflecting the desire for peace , prosperity and unity among peoples.

Vietnamese students in traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai and traditional Azerbaijani costumes. — Vietnamese students in traditional Vietnamese ao dai and traditional Azerbaijani costumes.

Similar to Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Novruz Bayram is also an occasion for families to reunite, gather around the table, exchange best wishes and participate in meaningful traditional activities together.

The program was attended by representatives of the Vietnamese Government, diplomatic agencies, cultural circles, businessmen, press, and the Azerbaijani community living in Vietnam.

Delegates listened to the origin of the traditional egg-breaking game.

Guests experience the egg-breaking game. — Guests experience the egg cracking game.

In addition to the exchange activities, the event brought traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, with the participation of chef David Israfilov (Don David), Vice President of the World Barbecue Association, and famous chefs from Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia and Mauritius. Guests enjoyed typical dishes such as pilaf (rice pilaf), dolma (meat wrapped in grape leaves), shashlik (grilled lamb skewers), and traditional pastries such as pakhlava (layered honey cake), shekerbura (sweet almond cake), gogal (traditional spiced cake). The highlight of the festival was the khoncha tray, a symbol of prosperity, decorated with samani (young rice), sweets, nuts and colored eggs.

Chef Don David, Vice President of the World Barbecue Association.

Traditional dishes are beautifully presented.

One of the highlights of Novruz Bayram is the egg-breaking game (Yumurta döyüşü), which symbolizes fertility, good luck and new beginnings. Organizing committee members and ambassadors participated in this ritual, which opened the festival.

Students offer Khonkha, a symbol of luck and prosperity. — Students offer trays of Khonkha, a symbol of luck and prosperity.

In addition, the fire jumping ceremony (Tonqal qalamaq) also attracted the participation of many guests. This is a traditional custom to dispel the bad luck of the old year, welcoming a new year with lots of positive energy. The Novruz fire is not only a symbol of purification but also shows the belief in a bright future, warmth and solidarity in the community.