In Pictures: Ba Duong Noi Kite Festival recognised as national intangible cultural heritage

On April 12, the traditional kite festival of Ba Duong Noi village in Dan Phuong District, Hanoi, was recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 05:19

Each qualified kite was numbered and prepared for the competition.

At the same time, the craft of making flute kites (dieu sao) was also honoured as a Traditional Craft of Hanoi by the Hanoi People’s Committee.

Ba Duong Noi Village is known as the only locality in Vietnam that holds a kite festival associated with the shrine dedicated to the Delta Deity. This elevates the cultural heritage with a complete system of unique and distinctive traditional rules and rituals. In addition, the craft of making flute kites in the village dates back many generations. Today, the commune’s flute kite club operates effectively, and many households earn a stable livelihood through this traditional craft.

Scenes from the ceremony.

Delegates attending the ceremony.

Before the event officially began, delegates carried out the incense offering ritual.

Dao Thi Hong, Vice Chairwoman of Dan Phuong District People’s Committee, reported on the cultural value of the heritage and traditional craft village.

Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, presented the certificate recognising “Ba Duong Noi Kite Festival” as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People’s Committee, presented the certificate recognising the traditional craft title to the local authorities and residents.

Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong showed interest in the traditional kites.

The ceremony also included the symbolic release of doves, representing wishes for peace.

Dan Phuong District continues to develop the “Ba Duong Noi Kite Festival” as a representative cultural heritage deeply imbued with Vietnamese national identity.

This year’s kite festival attracted 72 competing kites.

The competing kites on display at the festival.

According to traditional rules, eligible kites must be at least 2.2 metres in length, at least 0.6 metres in width, equipped with at least three flutes (each with a minimum diameter of 2.5cm), and must not have wings made of glossy white paper. They are flown over the village fields. The winning kite is judged on the beauty of its flute sounds, its height, and its stability in the air.

The traditional Hanoi craft of making flute kites not only provides stable jobs and income for people in Ba Duong Noi Village, but also benefits households in nearby areas.