Van Temple Festival - Cua Rao: Returning to historical roots

(Baonghean) - People of Tuong Duong are looking forward to the Van Temple - Cua Rao Festival with the excitement of returning to their roots. This is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the solemn, sacred atmosphere, to entrust and pray for their wishes...

The temple is located in Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong), standing on a strip of land at the confluence of the Nam Non and Nam Mo rivers. This is also an archaeological site (Doi Den site), researchers have excavated and discovered many valuable artifacts. The artifacts excavated at Doi Den are determined to be nearly 4,000 years old, belonging to the Phung Nguyen culture.

The procession was solemn and respectful.

Van-Cua Rao Temple reflects on the clear water, hidden under the canopy of ancient trees hundreds and thousands of years old. The temple is associated with the career and merit of Admiral Doan Nhu Hai, a famous general of the Tran Dynasty who sacrificed his life on this borderland to protect the border, protect the village and the lives of the people. Historical documents have recorded this event.

Great ceremony, praying for national peace, favorable weather, and peaceful villages.

Around 1335, the western border area of ​​Nghe An, then called Nam Nhung hamlet (including the present-day districts of Ky Son, Tuong Duong and Con Cuong), was invaded by the Ai Lao invaders, causing many tragic scenes. Despite his old age, the retired emperor Tran Minh Tong decided to personally lead troops to Nam Nhung to defeat the invaders, punish the invaders and keep the border peaceful.

The cultural exchange program is attractive and rich in national cultural identity.

The retired emperor appointed Doan Nhu Hai, who was then commanding the Than Vu and Than Sach armies and also held the position of Kinh Luoc Dia Su of Nghe An, to be the Admiral to directly command the troops. Because the correlation of forces, terrain, and topography were not yet clearly determined, in a battle that took place at the river junction area, with dense fog, the Tran Dynasty Admiral and many soldiers were left behind in this land.

Gong performance competition.

Later, the court continued to send reinforcements to chase the enemy to the other side of the border, bringing a peaceful life to the people of Nam Nhung. To commemorate the General and the soldiers of the Tran Dynasty who sacrificed their lives, the people built a temple at the river junction, burning incense all year round and praying for protection and blessing, a place for people to entrust their souls. Van - Cua Rao Temple also worships the spirit of Tam Toa Thanh Mau (one of the Four Immortals according to folk beliefs), a unique belief of Vietnamese culture.

This year's Van - Cua Rao Temple Festival program is limited to 3 days (from February 27-29, 2016, i.e. January 20-22, Binh Than year). The ceremony includes the following rituals: Opening the light, Announcement, Procession of the spirit tablet, Great offering and Thanksgiving. The festival part is exciting with the cultural and artistic exchange program between villages; carving competition, gong and bamboo dancing; folk games with strong identity (throwing con, pushing stick, tug of war, spinning top, chess, swinging, walking on stilts).

Shuttlecock throwing competition.

During the festival, folk songs and dances of the Thai, Mong and Kho Mu ethnic groups will be performed, both lively and profound, imbued with the sounds of the border mountains and forests, providing an opportunity for visitors from near and far to better understand the rich cultural values ​​of the highlands of Nghe An. Then the sounds of the Khen, the Pi, the gongs, and the carvings create a rich harmony like the sound of the wind and the sound of the stream welcoming the spring.

Pole pushing competition.

Thousands of people prepare to enter the procession, all praying for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and peaceful villages. Outside the festival grounds, sports and folk games take place enthusiastically and excitingly. Young men and women enjoy folk games, demonstrating strength, solidarity, dexterity, and sophistication.

Van Temple - Cua Rao Festival attracts a large number of people and tourists from all over to offer incense and attend the festival.

Talking to us, Mr. Luong Van Phan - Chairman of Xa Luong Commune People's Committee affirmed: "Coming to Van Temple Festival - Cua Rao is coming to the historical roots of the struggle to build and defend the country; is coming to a beautiful countryside, with friendly and hospitable people; a place where we entrust our spirituality to live better in real life and a place where we can have peaceful, exciting and enthusiastic moments to start a year of productive work".

Cong Kien - Dang Cuong