A heartwarming "Meal of Unity"

A beautiful tradition in the activities of the National Unity Day, the "Unity Meal" is perhaps the most anticipated moment. It's not just a gathering for a meal, filled with stories and laughter, but also an opportunity for people to come together, share, strengthen family bonds, and foster a spirit of community.

Residents of Zone 8, Ban Nguyen Commune, participate in the "Meal of Great Unity" on the occasion of the National Unity Day 2025.

Present at the cultural center of Zone 8, Ban Nguyen commune, during the National Unity Day celebration. Immediately after the solemn ceremony and lively cultural performances, behind the stage was a bustling atmosphere of enthusiastic preparation for the "National Unity Meal".

Ms. Cao Thi Cuc, Head of the Front Committee in Zone 8, Ban Nguyen Commune, said: "For many years now, the Great Unity Day has always included a 'Great Unity Meal'. Each family has a representative, or sometimes the whole family registers to participate. To ensure the meal is economical and safe, the organizing committee assigns tasks to each person the day before. Despite being busy, everyone is enthusiastic and willing to help..."

Everyone pitched in, without needing instructions, and everything flowed smoothly and rhythmically, as if it had been rehearsed beforehand. Ms. Dang Thi Thu, who participates in cooking the feast every year, smiled as she stood in the kitchen: "The whole neighborhood is having a communal meal, it's as joyful as Tet (Vietnamese New Year). These dishes are all made by people in the neighborhood themselves; eating together strengthens bonds..."

Everyone pitched in to prepare the feast and arrange the dishes.

Despite being over 90 years old, Mrs. Cao Van Nuong participates in the annual solidarity meal. She happily shared: "Normally, everyone is busy with work, so opportunities to gather together are rare. Thanks to the 'Great Solidarity Meal,' everyone has the chance to sit together, chat, and share, understanding each other better and strengthening community bonds. I feel this program is very meaningful, so as long as I have the health, I will continue to participate and support it..."

Meanwhile, in Go Han area, Van Ban commune, after the National Unity Day celebration, the people once again gathered for a "Unity Meal," a cultural tradition maintained for many years. The meal was organized using contributions from residents, with each participating household receiving a meal portion, ensuring simplicity and economy.

Witnessing people of all ages gathering around meals, chatting happily, and enjoying simple dishes that evoke a warm sense of community and neighborly spirit, further highlights the significance of this special festival.

Mr. Nguyen Van Du, Secretary of the Go Han neighborhood Party branch, said: "It's a busy year, but on this day, everyone puts aside their personal matters to sit down together for a meal. The most valuable thing is that the people in the neighborhood feel closer to each other and understand each other better..."

The Go Han area currently has 153 households with 533 residents. The people in the area proactively overcome difficulties, help each other develop the economy , transform the structure of crops and livestock, and apply scientific and technological advancements to production. The average income in the area reaches 40 million VND, the number of well-off households is increasing, and the people's living standards have improved significantly. Through the evaluation of culturally exemplary families in 2025, the percentage of households meeting the standards of a culturally exemplary family reached over 85%.

Old and young, men and women, all share a joyful reunion around a feast in the Go Han area, Van Ban commune.

Not only in Bản Nguyên and Vân Bán, but these days, the spirit of the festival is spreading throughout residential areas and neighborhoods in the province. Whether in rural or urban areas, the "Great Unity Meal" is usually simple, featuring familiar traditional dishes with the common criteria of simplicity, economy, and joy, reflecting the voluntary participation and solidarity of the people. The meal may not be elaborate, but it embodies the spirit of sharing – the very thing that creates the lasting cultural value of the festival.

Comrade Nguyen Thanh Phuong – Chairman of the Fatherland Front of Van Ban commune, said: The entire commune currently has 27 residential areas, and 100% of them organize "Great Unity Meals". Besides the usual activities during the festival such as: cultural and artistic performances; reviewing the history and traditions of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; summarizing the movements and activities of the residential areas after a year; commending and rewarding outstanding families, clans, and individuals..., people also contribute together to organize a communal meal so that everyone has the opportunity to gather and have fun together... This is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and neighborly affection, and to promote each individual's responsibility towards their family and society.

"The communal meal" has become a bond that connects the community and warms neighborly feelings in residential areas.

"The 'Meal of Unity' held on the occasion of the National Unity Day in residential areas is not just an activity during the festival, but has become a beautiful cultural tradition, contributing to strengthening the power of national unity, promoting socio-economic development, and, more importantly, tightening the bonds of affection between people."

Linh Nguyen

Source: https://baophutho.vn/am-ap-bua-com-dai-doan-ket-242933.htm