1. Introduction to the Non Khe Bao Ban Festival
1.1. Location
The Non Khe Bao Ban Festival is held in Non Khe village, Yen Tu commune, Ninh Binh province, a countryside deeply imbued with historical and traditional cultural imprints. Non Khe village has a rather special geographical location when the North borders Quang Phuc village, the East borders Quang Tu village, the South borders Dan Chu hamlet, and the gentle Dao River, creating a peaceful rural space conducive to the activities of belief and community life taking place within the framework of the festival.
The Non Khe Bao Ban Festival is held in Non Khe village, Yen Tu commune, Ninh Binh province. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Festival Timing
According to ancient custom, the Non Khe Bao Ban Festival is held annually on the 14th day of the first lunar month, a time when local people turn towards their roots in the atmosphere of the new spring. Maintaining the festival on this day carries profound meaning, expressing the spirit of gratitude and reciprocation of merits to the ancestors who built the village and protected the land, while also entrusting wishes for a peaceful and harmonious new year for the Non Khe village community.
2. History, Significance, and Value of the Non Khe Bao Ban Festival
2.1. Tradition of 'Drinking Water, Remembering the Source'
In the historical flow of the Red River Delta region, the Non Khe Bao Ban Festival was formed and preserved, closely linked to the process of land reclamation and village establishment by generations of ancestors. From the very beginning of establishing the land and founding the village, the people of Non Khe considered the festival a way to remember their roots and express deep gratitude to their ancestors and those who contributed to building a peaceful and prosperous life. Over hundreds of years, that tradition of drinking water and remembering the source has been preserved intact, becoming a thread connecting the past with the present in the cultural life of the rural community.
2.2. Spiritual and Community Significance
Besides its historical value, the Non Khe Bao Ban Festival also carries profound spiritual significance and plays an important role in community cohesion. Traditional rituals and activities not only meet the spiritual needs of the people but also contribute to educating the younger generation about moral principles, gratitude, and the responsibility to preserve the homeland. Through the festival, community relationships are strengthened, clearly reflecting the cultural living characteristics of the residents of the Red River Delta region, where the village community spirit is always prioritized.
2.3. Recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage
The outstanding cultural value of the Non Khe Bao Ban Festival was recognized when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially inscribed the festival into the list of national intangible cultural heritage in 2024. This recognition not only affirms the festival's position and importance in the national cultural heritage but also creates a premise for the conservation, restoration, and promotion of the festival's values in modern life, contributing to spreading the cultural image of Non Khe more widely to the community and tourists.
The Nộn Khê Báo bản Festival is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Source: Collected)
3. Main activities at the Nộn Khê Báo bản Festival
3.1. Traditional rituals
In the Nộn Khê Báo bản Festival, the traditional ritual part holds a central position with solemnly organized incense offering and ancestor worship ceremonies. Villagers gather together to commemorate and honor the merits of the elders who pioneered and established the village, laying the foundation for the stable and sustainable life of the community today. At the same time, the ceremony is also an occasion to express deep gratitude to the heroes and martyrs who are children of the village and who sacrificed for the cause of protecting the homeland and the country.
Besides the commemorative meaning, the Nộn Khê Báo bản Festival also carries a message of respectfully reporting to ancestors and the Village Guardian Deity about the development of the homeland year by year. In the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, achievements in learning and labor, and outstanding accomplishments of the village's children are recalled as a form of gratitude and reporting achievements, demonstrating the spirit of valuing learning, the will to rise, and the common pride of the Nộn Khê community.
Female sacrificial team performing the solemn sacrificial ritual at the Non Khe village communal house. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Vibrant and Characteristic Festivities
After the solemn rituals, the festival part of the Non Khe Bao Ban festival brings a bustling and joyful atmosphere, attracting enthusiastic participation from villagers and tourists alike. Activities take place continuously, creating a vibrant community living space where all ages can immerse themselves and enjoy the joy of the early spring festival.
The highlight of the festival part is a series of performances and activities rich in traditional identity such as chess, lion dance, wrestling, and many familiar sports. These activities not only contribute to livening up the festival atmosphere but also demonstrate the martial spirit, dexterity, and community strength of the Non Khe people, making the festival a meaningful and emotionally rich cultural exchange occasion.
Traditional swing game attracts a large number of participants. (Source: Collected)
4. Experience the Nôn Khê Báo Bản Festival and suggestions for exploring Ninh Bình
4.1. Notes for attending the festival
When attending the Nôn Khê Báo Bản Festival, visitors should prepare appropriate attire for the traditional festival space, prioritizing neatness, politeness, and modesty, especially during the highly spiritual incense offering and ancestor worship rituals. Dressing properly, maintaining a serious attitude, and behaving appropriately not only shows respect for ancestors and predecessors but also contributes to preserving the inherent cultural beauty of Northern Vietnamese countryside.
Besides attire, understanding and adhering to local customs and traditions is also very important when participating in the Nôn Khê Báo Bản Festival. Visitors should maintain order during the ceremony, avoid crowding and pushing, and minimize noise in the temple and ritual areas. During the festival part, one should behave civilly, respecting participants and organizers, thereby contributing to a joyful festival atmosphere while maintaining harmony and standards.
Furthermore, environmental awareness and heritage preservation are essential throughout the festival attendance. Visitors should refrain from littering, comply with regulations at the event venue, and be responsible for the shared community living space. These small but practical actions will contribute to the Nôn Khê Báo Bản Festival taking place safely and fully, while preserving and promoting precious traditional values for future generations.
4.2. Itinerary combining Ninh Bình tourism
When attending the Nôn Khê Báo Bản Festival, visitors can easily combine exploring many famous destinations located near the festival venue to enrich their trip. Tam Cốc with its poetic river and water scenery, Bích Động ancient pagoda amidst rolling mountains, or Tràng An with its unique system of caves and historical relics are all ideal choices, helping visitors fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural depth of Ninh Bình.
Continuing the journey, Bái Đính Pagoda is a must-visit stop for those who love spiritual tourism. The vast space, majestic architecture, and serene atmosphere here bring a sense of peace, very suitable to combine after attending the festival. Visiting these destinations will help balance the trip between traditional festival experiences and exploring the outstanding landscapes and heritage of the ancient capital.
Besides familiar attractions with strong imprints of nature and history, visitors can expand their exploration itinerary with Thoi Dai Square, a new destination embodying Ninh Bình's modern spirit. The vast space, well-planned layout, along with the landscape system and vibrant entertainment activities here create a youthful and dynamic appearance for the ancient capital. The presence of the square creates an interesting contrast with the peaceful countryside atmosphere and the traditional values of folk festivals, making the trip more diverse. Combining visits to ancient heritage sites and modern spaces will provide a complete experience, balancing cultural exploration, relaxation, and enjoying Ninh Bình's new rhythm of life.
Times Square with the giant Doi Tam drum symbol. (Source: Collected)
With its rich history, deep spiritual value, and a strong sense of community with the distinct identity of Northern Vietnamese countryside villages, the Bao Ban Festival of Non Khe is not only an occasion to honor ancestors but also an opportunity for everyone to reconnect with traditional cultural roots. If you are looking for a meaningful early spring journey, where you can immerse yourself in a rustic folk festival atmosphere and combine it with exploring the beauty of Ninh Binh, don't miss the experience of the Bao Ban Festival of Non Khe on your upcoming trip.
