This year, the Doan Ngo Tet (May 5th of the lunar calendar) falls on Friday (June 19th of the solar calendar).
According to traditional beliefs, "Doan" means to start, while "Ngo" is the time at noon - when the sun rises highest, representing the prosperity of yang energy in nature.
Depending on the region, the Tet Doan Ngo worshiping tray is also prepared differently. However, the basic offering tray usually includes sticky rice wine, a plate of fruits, banh u with ash water, 3 cups of water, incense, lamps, candles, flowers... After arranging offerings on the altar, the homeowner proceeds to offer offerings and recite prayers.
The homeowner lights 3 sticks of incense, lights or candles and then respectfully offers offerings to the deceased grandparents and ancestors.
Below is the Doan Ngo Tet prayer according to the book Traditional Vietnamese Worship - Rituals and Ritual Practices (World Publishing House, 2024):
Nam Mo Amitābha Buddha
Nam Mo Amitābha Buddha
Nam Mo Amitābha Buddha
I bow to the nine heavens, the ten directions of the Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions;
I bow to the gods, the gods, the saints, the Holy Mothers;
I bow to the ancestral council of both sides, both paternal and maternal, along with the ancestral spirits of the family, the aunt, the mandarin; the predecessors, the landlords, the hidden faces in this place.
Today is Doan Ngo Tet, May 5th, 2026.
My name is:... , residing at:.... Believers prepare offerings to offer incense to pray to heaven and earth, praying for favorable weather, bumper crops, and everyone's health and safety.
Therefore, I respectfully invite the councils at all levels, the festival committees to enjoy the offerings and bless our prayers for blessings.
After praying, the homeowner bows 5 times and then reads the ritual text:
Bow respectfully, deep gratitude
Father and mother, land and origins far away
We give birth to our world, grandmother
Karma is still heavy, debt is high for a long time
Taking care of oneself only knows how to look forward to the bridge
Father loves mother, the mortal world is mysterious.
Eliminate rampant insects
Rice and corn are in season, crops are abundant
End the epidemic, earth and sky are peaceful
We vow to only change fate
Finding a bright path, sowing blessings and blessings".
After reading, bow 5 times.
End the ceremony.
