Hanoi’s first-ever ‘chau van’ (traditional northern spiritual singing) festival is running from now till October 5.

The festival sees the participation of troupes from 29 districts throughout Hanoi.

The first part of the festival is being held at Lam Du, Kim Giang, Yen Phu and Cay Que temples. 10 best performances will be picked out and staged at Cong Nhan Theater, 42 Trang Tien, on October 4 and 5.

“Chau van”, also known as “hat van” or “hat bong”, which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, was created during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) and northern Nam Dinh province is considered its birthplace.

The genre is a highly rhythmic and trance-oriented form of singing and is typically performed during rituals to honor the Mother Goddesses and connect to other gods. It is performed mainly at temples and pagodas.

The music and poetical lyrics combine harmoniously in a variety of rhythms, pauses, tempos, stresses and pitches. The genre also adopts folk songs from the uplands and highlands of the northern, central and southern regions. Its main musical instrument is “dan nguyet” (moon-shaped lute).

Documents on “chau van” are being studied and completed to seek UNESCO’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.