Many people displayed their offerings on streets in Hanoi Old Quarter such as Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Buom and Hang Bong for worship and then burnt votive papers there.
To mark this occasion, people also burn gifts to offer to the dead in the hope they will use their powers to rid people of their sins and bad fortune.
"I often burn votive papers at this festival annually to wish luck for my family,” said Nguyen Thi Hoa on Hang Ngang Street.
The long-standing practice even takes place on the road bed.
The burning usually starts from the beginning of the seventh lunar month.
This not only causes smoke but also the risk of fire.
Some people use water to mitigate the ash from the burning.
