Hanoi has mapped out numerous cultural and sports activities to welcome Tet (lunar New Year) festival.

A spring newspaper festival, and a number of exhibitions, including a photo exhibition in Trang Tien street, an ornamental plant exhibition in Ly Thai To flower garden, antiques exhibitions in Hanoi ancient citadel and Dinh Tien Hoang street, together with a film week, have held to open the activity chain.

Hanoi has become the first city to allow firecrackers to be lighted in all districts across the city on New Year’s Eve, which will fall on February 13.

Besides, an incense-offering ceremony dedicated to King Ly Thai To will take place and numerous traditional art performances will be staged at Ngoc Son temple, Ba Kieu temple, Ha Dong district and Son Tay town.

Several other activities will be organised in Quoc Tu Giam Literature Temple from February 15-23 while a circus performance at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square and art performances on the city’s outskirts will be held on February 16-18.

On the occasion, Hanoi has guidelined relevant agencies to make preparations for other up-coming special anniversaries, including the 221st anniversary of Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da victory (February 18) and festivals of Huong pagoda and other temples across the city. (VNA)