Bao Ban Non Khe Festival: A Traditional Village Festival Rich in Cultural Values in Ninh Binh

The Bao Ban Non Khe Festival originates from the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (1470–1497), when a group of settlers from the Luc Non, Nam Chau region (now part of Duy Tien Town, Ha Nam Province) migrated to the area near Hong Duc Dike to reclaim land and establish a hamlet. They named the village Non Khe, with "Non" meaning young/fresh and "Khe" meaning stream, symbolizing a newly tapped, fresh, and vibrant spring. Specifically, Mr. Bui Cong Man led the effort in reclaiming this saline-alkali alluvial land, turning it into a prosperous countryside village.

The festival was established to "bao ban" – meaning to express gratitude and repay the merits of ancestors who reclaimed the land. Traditionally, the ancient Bao Ban festival prayer was engraved in Han characters: "Bi bong phat dich, Huu khai tat tien, Quyet cu vinh dien, Cong duc bat thien", which translates to clearing grass and thorns, opening pathways for land reclamation from the beginning, building a firm and long-lasting foundation, with merits never fading. The year 2025 marks an important milestone with the 555th anniversary of the village's establishment (1470–2025), making the festival even more solemn.

The Bao Ban Non Khe Festival is held annually on the 14th day of the first lunar month, with activities lasting from the 12th to the 14th of the first lunar month. In 2025, the festival takes place from February 9 to 11 (solar calendar), coinciding with a major village anniversary. The main venue is Non Khe Communal House – an ancient folk architectural monument dedicated to deities such as Thuy Te Long Vuong (Water Dragon King), the human deity Nguyen Phuc (Pho Thien Dong Hai Dai Vuong), Princess Long Hoa Thuy Que, along with eight founding families of the village: Bui, Dinh, Pham, Cao, Le, Mai, Tran, and Nguyen.

Non Khe Village is located about 20 km from the center of Ninh Binh City, easily accessible by motorbike or car. This area is also recognized as an exemplary new rural area, featuring peaceful scenery and a rich system of beliefs closely tied to the southward expansion history during the Le Thanh Tong period.

The festival is divided into two main parts: the ceremonial rituals and the festive activities, creating a balance between solemnity and joyfulness.

The Ceremony: Solemn and Meaningful

The ceremonial part begins with incense offering and sacrificial rituals honoring the founding ancestors who reclaimed the land and heroes who sacrificed for the homeland. A unique feature is "bao ban" – reporting to the ancestors about the village's achievements over the past year, including academic accomplishments and filial piety of the children, as well as praying for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and prosperity for all.

The Festivities: Vibrant with Folk Games

The festive part is a highlight with a series of cultural, sports, and entertainment activities:

• Dragon and lion dances: Vibrant performances symbolizing luck and prosperity.
• Folk games: Traditional wrestling, tug-of-war, blind man's buff, swinging, human chess, To Tom card game, cockfighting.
• Sports competitions: Football, volleyball, badminton, Chinese chess.
• Artistic performances: "Homeland Singing" musical night on the 13th night of the first lunar month, featuring poetry recitations written by villagers, adapted into folk songs and Cheo singing. In 2025, the 5th poetry collection of the Non Khe Poetry Club will also be launched.
• Night market: Two market sessions on the evenings of the 12th and 13th of the first lunar month, attracting thousands of people with rustic dishes like rustic rice cake (banh duc), thorn leaf cake (banh gai), steamed rice rolls (banh cuon), crab noodle soup (bun rieu), and snail noodle soup (bun oc).

These activities are not only entertaining but also allow visitors to authentically experience the rural culture of Ninh Binh.

The Bao Ban Non Khe Festival is not only a local event but also carries national cultural value, embodying the tradition of "when drinking water, remember its source" – showing gratitude to ancestors and preserving identity. It is tied to the system of worship beliefs, folk literature, rural cuisine, and historical legends such as the victory at Than Phu Sea Gate. The festival fosters community solidarity, educates the younger generation about mutual support and fondness for learning, and contributes to the development of Ninh Binh tourism.

From a tourism perspective, the festival brings economic value through the night market and exchange activities, while adding historical documentation on 15th-century sea reclamation policies. Restored in 1986, the festival has been increasingly socialized with community involvement in collecting and preserving heritage.

To have a complete journey when attending the Bao Ban Non Khe Festival, advance preparation will help you be more proactive and easily immerse yourself in the unique cultural atmosphere here. Some important points to note include:

• Weather: The first lunar month in Non Khe is usually chilly, so bring warm clothing for convenience in traveling and participating in the festival.
• Transportation: From the center of Ninh Binh, follow National Route 12B toward Yen Mo, then ask for directions to Yen Tu Commune – where the festival takes place.
• Cultural etiquette: Polite attire and a respectful attitude when participating in the ceremony are essential, especially during local community traditional rituals.
• Experience: Don't miss the night market with many rustic dishes and art performances, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the villagers' poetry and spiritual life.
• Combined sightseeing: You can combine your trip with visits to Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, or nearby attractions to complete your cultural and historical exploration of Ninh Binh.

These preparations will help you enjoy the festival fully, comfortably, and meaningfully.

The Bao Ban Non Khe Festival is not merely a cultural memory reenacted every spring, but also a bond uniting the community in pride for their origins. The solemn rituals, rustic folk activities, and the solidarity of the local people create the enduring vitality of a homeland festival. Amidst modern life, the festival serves as a quiet pause for everyone to rediscover their identity and appreciate traditional values preserved across generations. And from there, Non Khe is not just a land, but a living cultural space reminding us of the significance of preserving and carrying forward the precious spiritual heritage of the nation.