(Baonghean.vn) -On February 20-21, 2014 (ie January 21-22, the year of the Horse), the Van Temple - Cua Rao festival took place in Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong).
This is an occasion for people to commemorate the merits of Doan Nhu Hai - a General of the Tran Dynasty who had contributed to driving out the Ai Lao invaders and keeping the country peaceful. In a fierce battle near the river junction, Doan Nhu Hai and many soldiers bravely commanded, fought and heroically sacrificed themselves. To commemorate the merits of the General and soldiers of the Tran Dynasty, people built a temple at the river junction, where the Nam Non and Nam Mo rivers converge to form the poetic Lam river - a cultural symbol of Nghe An. Van - Cua Rao Temple also worships the Three Holy Mothers. The temple was recognized as a Historical - Cultural Relic by the Provincial People's Committee in 2009.
This year's Van Temple - Cua Rao Festival took place solemnly and sacredly with the opening ceremony, proclamation, sacrifice and thanksgiving ceremony. The festival took place enthusiastically with camping activities, cultural and artistic exchanges, national costume contest, Thai Lai Pao writing contest and sports and folk games imbued with regional cultural identity (stick pushing, gourd fighting, crossbow shooting, and con throwing).
Here are some photos reporters captured at the festival:
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| Art performance to open the festival |
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| Mr. Luong Thanh Hai - Provincial Party Committee member, Secretary of Tuong Duong District Party Committee beat the drum to open the festival |
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| Procession |
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| Pray for national peace and prosperity |
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| Offering sacrifices to the gods |
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| Many people and tourists come to Cua Rao to attend the festival. |
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| Pole Pushing Competition |
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| Shuttlecock Throwing Competition |
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| Swinging at the festival |
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| "Drunk" with the gong rhythm |
Cong Kien
