Ninh Giang, a district blessed with fertile alluvial soil from the Luoc River, is home to Dinh Ca market and a rich cultural heritage of the Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam. Beyond its famous temples and pagodas, the area has become an ideal destination for visitors during the spring season, with Dinh Ca market being an integral part of this vibrant cultural landscape.
Dinh Ca market, dating back to the Thai Hoa period (1676–1679), is intimately linked to the legend of Dinh Ca communal house and the history of Boi village. Over the centuries, the market has been preserved as a unique cultural heritage and a source of pride for the people of the Red River Delta. Since the middle of the twelfth lunar month, the bustling preparations for the market begin. Local women meticulously tend to their vegetable gardens and fish ponds, selecting the finest produce to bring to the market on the second day of Tet.
For the people of Boi village, skilled in trade throughout the year, Dinh Ca market is more than just a place for exchanging goods. It is an opportunity to reunite with friends and family, celebrate the spring festival, and usher in hopes for a prosperous new year. Regardless of their usual trade, everyone brings their best and freshest produce to this special market. From delicious vegetables to fragrant sticky rice and delectable treats, the market offers a delightful array of choices that satisfy even the most discerning buyers.
As dawn breaks, a stream of people from far and wide flock to the market, creating a lively yet orderly atmosphere that lasts until noon. Buyers and sellers alike engage in cheerful exchanges, hoping to find luck and blessings through their transactions. After their business is concluded, many pay their respects at the communal house, expressing gratitude to their ancestors for their contributions to the community.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the market also serves as a convenient opportunity for last-minute shopping for essential items and gifts that may have been overlooked during the busy year-end period. The carefully curated selection of goods, from fresh produce to aromatic sticky rice and delicious treats, ensures that even the most discerning shoppers leave satisfied.
More than just a place of commerce, the market is a bridge that connects the local community and its diaspora. Despite its brief duration, lasting only a few hours from early morning to past noon, the market exerts a strong pull on visitors. They come not only to buy and sell but also to revel in the festive atmosphere, reconnect with their roots, and usher in hopes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
The preparations for the market are just as fascinating. Before Tet, the locals divide the area in front of Dinh Ca communal house into sections for different types of goods. During the market, both buyers and sellers maintain a respectful attitude, speaking gently and refraining from pushing or shouting. At around 7 a.m., the market reaches its peak, with thousands of people browsing the stalls along the road, excitedly choosing from the diverse offerings.
Among the highlights of Dinh Ca market are the famous specialties of Ninh Giang. One of them is “banh gai,” a cake associated with the legendary general Yet Kieu, which has become a favorite souvenir for tourists. Over generations, the technique of making “banh gai” has been refined, resulting in a delicious treat with a unique flavor.
In addition to “banh gai,” Ninh Giang is also renowned for its water buffalo meat, especially during the Year of the Ox. The meat is celebrated for its firm texture, natural sweetness, and intricate preparation methods. Each dish is carefully crafted while the meat is still hot, offering a unique culinary experience for diners.
With its unique cultural characteristics and distinctive products, the Dinh Ca market is more than just a commercial event. It is a cultural destination, a bridge between the present and the past, and a community hub that preserves traditional values. Year after year, it captivates visitors, leaving them with unforgettable memories during the festive spring season.
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