Kawshar Ahmed, an international student from Bangladesh, shared that experiencing Vietnam’s Lunar New Year reshaped his view of Hanoi in an unexpected way.
“What stood out was not only the celebration, but the emotional warmth that emerges when a busy city slows down and people turn toward family, connection, and a hopeful new beginning.”
International students discovering the cultural depth of Vietnam through traditional Tet activities.
For Kawshar, the most memorable part of Tết was the sense of family, togetherness, and emotional connection that filled the quieter streets and family homes. He was surprised to see Hanoi become peaceful, with emptier roads, close-knit gatherings, and more time spent simply being present with loved ones. In his view, Tết is more than a holiday. It is a time to reconnect emotionally, to forgive, and to begin the new year with renewed hope.
Watching people clean their homes, prepare meals together, and share stories about their lives and expectations for the year ahead helped him understand how deeply Tết is tied to care and reflection. Coming from Bangladesh, he noted that the atmosphere reminded him of Eid, when families also reunite and share life stories.
When asked what a newly arrived international student should do to truly feel the spirit of Tết, Kawshar offered two practical suggestions. First, he recommended visiting a pagoda during the holiday period to see how Vietnamese people welcome the new year by praying for peace, health, and good fortune, an experience that highlights the spiritual and reflective side of Tết.
Second, he encouraged international students to spend time with Vietnamese neighbors or families if invited. This allow students to touch the core values of Tết, which are warmth, respect, and a strong sense of community.
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