Spring festivals welcome a new flourish year

Tran Temple Festival aimed at commemorating the great dedication of Tran kings is held annually on the 13th day of the first lunar month

The two-day Dong Cuong Festival featured traditional rituals praying for good things in the new year, the sacrifice of the white buffalo, art performances and sports contests like volleyball, tug of war, wrestling and boat races. The festival closed Wednesday.

One of the biggest celebrations, Tran Temple Festival, which aimed to commemorate the great dedication of kings in the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) in founding and protecting the nation, kicked off on Wednesday night with the participation of thousands of local people.

This year’s festival commemorates the 730th anniversary of the third victory over the invading Mogols.

The five-day festival features traditional rituals, a fish-cooking contest, folk games as well as a water procession in which water was taken from the Red River and carried for nearly 20km as an offering to Tran Kings.

One of the most significant contributions of the Tran dynasty is repelling the aggressive Yuan-Mongol invaders three times in the 13th century.

The festival is held annually in Hung Ha district of Thai Binh province, an important military base in the fight against the Yuan-Mongols and the resting place of some Tran kings.

Starting from the early 12th century, the Tran family settled in Thai Binh province, where they grew rice and fished for a living. Thus this area is believed to be the founding place of the Tran Dynasty, one of the most powerful dynasties in the feudal history of Vietnam. This was also home to several temples and shrines dedicated to the Tran royal family.

Traditional rituals celebrating Dong Cuong Festival are held in the Dong Cuong temple. — VOV

Meanwhile in the mountainous province of Bac Kan, the Mu La Festival is held from the 12th to 14th day of the first lunar month with the aim of waving off the unfortunate happenings of the previous year and to wish for favourable weather and happiness for local people. It features folk games like bird fighting, cow fighting, sports, games and bonfires.

This is an opportunity to introduce and promote the culture and customs of local ethnic people as well as the beautiful landscapes of Bac Kan and Tuyen Quang for visitors.

Mu La is located in Co Linh commune of Bac Kan province, bordering Tuyen Quang province.

Mu La Festival in Bac Kan is held annually with the aim of waving off the unfortunate happenings of the old years and to wish for favourable weather and happiness for local people. — dulich.backan.gov.vn