The outdoor New Year's Eve worship ceremony (also known as the Exorcism ritual) is considered a key ritual in the transition moment between the old year and the new year.
According to folk beliefs, this is the time when the homeowner sends off the Quan Hanh Kien of the old year and welcomes the Quan Hanh Kien of the new year down to earth to continue to govern the human world.
Rituals are often performed in airy locations such as in front of houses, yards, balconies or terraces to connect with the space of heaven and earth.
The family prepares a solemn offering tray and reads prayers during New Year's Eve, from about 11 pm on the 29th of Tet to 1 am on the 1st day of Binh Ngo Tet 2026, to show respect and pray for peace and luck in the new year.
New Year's Eve prayers outdoors - According to the book Vietnamese Traditional Prayers - Culture and Information Publishing House:
Nam mô A di đà Phật!
Nam mô A di đà Phật!
Nam mô A di đà Phật!
Respectfully:
The future Buddha gives birth to Maitreya Buddha.
Hoang Thien Hau Tho Chu Vi Ton Than.
Mr. Cuu Nien Chu Vuong Hanh Khien, Thien On Hanh binh chi than, Ly Tao Phan Quan.
He was in the reign of Trieu Vuong Hanh Khien, Tam Thap Luc Thuong Hanh Binh Chi Than, Khuc Tao Phan Quan.
Lord Ban Canh Thanh Hoang, all the Great Kings.
Master of the Land Gods, Master of the Land Gods, Master of the Kitchen Gods, Master of the Earth Gods, Master of the Dragon veins, Master of the Gods, and all the Gods ruling in this area.
Now is the New Year's Eve of the Year of the Horse,
We are:... Living at:...
The sacred moment of New Year's Eve has just arrived, the old year has passed, welcoming the new year, Tam Duong khai Thai, ten thousand statues canh tan. Now Lord Thai Tue chi, the Supreme Deity above, obeys the orders of the Supreme Emperor to supervise ten thousand people, below protect the souls to eliminate harshness. Old mandarins return to the Dynasty to depart, keep blessings, keep kindness. New mandarins come down to replace them, showing filial piety, bestowing wealth and fortune.
On the occasion of the new spring, we sincerely prepare incense, flowers, and offerings, and rituals to worship the mortal, offering them before the Court. Offering to Buddha and Saints, offering to the Gods, burning incense and wholeheartedly praying.
We respectfully invite: Mr. Cuu nien duong cai Chu Vuong Hanh Khien, Thien On hanh binh chi than, Ly Tao phan quan, Mr. duong nien Trieu Vuong Hanh Khien, Tam Thap Luc thuong hanh binh chi than, Khuc Tao phan quan, Mr. Ban canh Thanh Hoang chu vi dai Vuong, Mr. Ban xu Than linh Tho dia, Mr. Dinh Phuc Tao quan, Mr. Phuc Duc chinh than, Mr. Ngu Phuong, Ngu Tho, Long mach tai Than, Mr. Ban Gia Tao quan, Mr. Dia Chua Long mach Ton Than and all the Divines ruling in this area. Please observe before the Court, enjoy offerings.
Praying for us: Minh nien khang thai, trú dạ cát tường. Do for us all duyên thuận lợi, công việc hanh thông. People get peace and prosperity, days and months enjoy phần lợi lộc. Âm phù - Dương trợ, sở nguyện tòng tâm. Four seasons without hạn ách any xâm, eight tiết have điềm lành tiếp ứng.
With sincere hearts, bow to witness.
Warning.
