Festive atmosphere at Phuc Khanh Temple

Together with rituals, the participants experienced some folk games, such as stick pushing, tug of war, “nem con” (throwing a sacred fabric ball through the ring), etc.

Phuc Khanh Temple, in Nghi Lang Ancient Citadel complex was built from 1527 to 1533 and was recognized as National Historical Relic in 2001 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. It was constructed by the locals to commemorate the contributions of Vu Van Mat, his brother Vu Van Uyen and his children to reclaiming land, building, and protecting the area.

PANO would like to introduce some photos reflecting lively atmosphere at the festival.

On the festive day, the residents in Pho Rang Town and from adjacent localities eagerly flocking to the festival  

Stick pushing game which shows the strength of H’mong ethnic minority men attracting the spectators 

 Young and elder men in a Chinese chess competition 

Youths fascinated by game in which the blindfolded participants striking a water plastic bag hung on a pole with a stick

“Nem con”, the traditional game of Thai ethnic minority group, held at the festival

Cockfighting attracting spectators 

Folk artisan Hoang Tien Hung performing “Len dong,” a ritual in the “Mother Goddess worship religion,” which was recognized as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016 by the UNESCO 

The happiness of the locals  

Source: PANO/CAND

Translated by Tran Hoai