Opening Ceremony of the King Mai Festival 2017

(Baonghean.vn) - On the morning of February 10th (the 14th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Rooster 2017), at the tomb of King Mai in Van Dien commune...,The Party Committee and people of Nam Dan district solemnly organized the incense offering ceremony and the opening of the King Mai Temple Festival in 2017.

The procession of the palanquin from the King Mai Temple in Nam Dan town to the King Mai mausoleum in Van Dien commune (Nam Dan). Photo: Thanh Le.

For the people of Nam Dan, the King Mai Festival – a unique cultural festival – has become a spiritual tradition where everyone can wholeheartedly remember the merits of King Mai and his generals and soldiers, and at the same time recall the heroic spirit and indomitable will of the Hoan Chau uprising that defeated the Tang dynasty invaders and established the independent Van An Kingdom within 10 years (from 713 to 722).

The Grand Sacrifice Ceremony - one of the sacred and important rituals of the King Mai Temple Festival. Photo: Thanh Le.

King Mai, whose real name was Mai Thúc Loan, was originally from Mai Phụ village (now Mai Phụ commune, Lộc Hà district, Hà Tĩnh province), but was born, raised, and grew up in Ngọc Trừng village, Đông Liệt commune (now Nam Thái commune, Nam Đàn district, Nghệ An province).

He was orphaned at a young age and had to work as a servant. By the time Mai Thúc Loan grew up, the Tang dynasty had taken control of Vietnam and imposed a system of tribute, oppressing the people severely. Countless people lost their lives carrying tribute goods due to hunger, thirst, and the beatings of the escorting officials.

Delegates and a large number of local people and tourists from all over attended the festival. Photo: Thanh Le

Understanding the suffering and resentment of the people who had lost their country, Mai Thúc Loan bravely rose up to lead the people in an uprising at Đụn Sơn, which then spread throughout the country, determined to drive the invading enemy out of the land. In 713, Mai Thúc Loan was proclaimed King and Emperor by the people, and the Vạn An dynasty was established.

Comrade Nguyen Hong Son - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Dan district, delivered the opening speech at the King Mai Festival 2017. Photo: Thanh Le.

Shortly after the establishment of the Van An dynasty, the Tang dynasty launched a massive invasion of our country. Because the enemy was so powerful, Mai Hac De fell seriously ill and died. Mai Thieu De and his generals were unable to maintain their victory for long, and ultimately, the country was re-dominated by the northern invaders.

A dragon and lion dance performance at the opening ceremony of the King Mai Temple Festival in 2017. Photo: Thanh Le.

However, the ten years of independence held immense significance for our people. The Hoan Chau uprising is considered one of the largest and most far-reaching uprisings against Northern domination.

To commemorate the meritorious deeds of King Mai and his generals, people in many provinces and cities across the country have erected monuments, temples, and shrines in their honor.

Comrade Dinh Xuan Que - Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Dan district, beats the drum to officially open the festival. Photo: Thanh Le.

Comrade Nguyen Hong Son - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Dan District, said: "In Nam Dan - the birthplace and childhood home of King Mai, where the uprising broke out, and also where the tombs of King Mai and his mother are located... Every year, from the 13th to the 15th of the first lunar month, the King Mai Temple Festival is solemnly organized to commemorate the merits of King Mai and his generals and soldiers, and to recall the heroic spirit of the Hoan Chau uprising that defeated the northern invaders and established the independent Van An state. At the same time, it educates the people, especially the younger generation, about the nation's history of building and defending the country, aiming to increase national pride and love for the homeland."

Numerous locals and tourists from all over the country offered incense to commemorate King Mai Thúc Loan. Photo: Thanh Lê.

This is also an opportunity for Nam Dan district to welcome tourists to learn about, visit, and enjoy cultural values ​​through cultural activities that are rich in the unique identity of this land of outstanding people and rich history, such as the water procession ceremony, the opening ceremony, the announcement ceremony, the incense offering ceremony commemorating King Mai, the grand ceremony, the thanksgiving ceremony, the lantern release ceremony… or to participate in folk games such as card games, swing games, tug-of-war, shuttlecock, wrestling, volleyball, and watch performances of folk songs praising the merits of King Mai.

The highlight of this year's festival is the Lantern Festival, held on the evening of the 14th day of the first lunar month, to commemorate the merits of King Mai and pray for national peace and prosperity, the development of Nam Dan district, and the well-being of all families.

Thanh Le - My Nga