Sweet rice cakes are indispensable offerings during the Cold Food Festival. (Photo: VOV5/Le Chi)

Offerings are typically simple, including plates of banh troi and banh chay (sweet rice cakes), fresh flowers, clean water, betel and incense. Families often prepare these traditional cakes themselves to offer to Buddha, ancestors and deities.

The sweet rice cakes symbolize wishes for favorable weather, abundant harvests and a fulfilling life. The festival is also an occasion for families to gather, prepare offerings together and reflect on cultural traditions.