According to Vietnamese tradition, the Land Genie and Kitchen Gods worshipping ritual, held annually on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, is considered the start of the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, Vietnam's most important traditional holiday.

This year, the farewell day falls on February 10.

Nicknamed the ‘rich people’s market,’ Hang Be is a popular destination during holidays and festivals because of its wide range of offerings.

The most sought-after items were boiled chickens with roses in their beaks, priced between VND500,000 (US$19) and VND800,000 ($31) depending on weight.

Sticky rice was also in demand, sold at VND50,000-100,000 ($2-4) per plate, suitable for altar offerings.

Nguyen Khanh Toan, a resident of Dong Da Ward, said he spent about VND3 million ($116) on offerings, including a chicken at VND800,000, votive paper worth VND320,000 ($12), and additional items such as red carp, sticky rice, flowers, and other goods.

“For worship, the price is not the most important thing. What matters is sincerity,” he said.

Red carp, used in the ritual of sending the Land Genie and Kitchen Gods to heaven, were sold at VND50,000-100,000 for three fish.

Ingredients for traditional soup dishes ranged from VND80,000 ($3) to VND100,000 ($4) per portion.

Votive paper sets cost between VND100,000 and VND300,000 ($12) depending on design.