Highlights of the opening ceremony of the Tran Temple Festival in Thai Binh province.

In her opening remarks at the ceremony, Ms. Tran Thi Bich Hang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thai Binh province, stated that the Long Hung - Hung Ha area is the birthplace and founding place of the Tran Dynasty. This area holds historical significance, closely linked to the Tran Dynasty, and is where the Tran family rose to power, as well as the resting place of the Tran ancestors.

Throughout the glorious history of nation-building and national defense of the Vietnamese people, the Tran dynasty was one of the most brilliant dynasties, leaving behind many glorious victories, including three triumphs over the Mongol invaders.

Highlights of the opening ceremony of the Tran Dynasty temple festival in Thai Binh province (Figure 1) — Outstanding artistic performances at the opening ceremony of the Tran Temple Festival (Thai Binh) in 2024.

"The strength of Dai Viet during the Tran Dynasty stemmed from the vibrant vitality of the nation, from its millennia-old culture, from patriotism, indomitable fighting spirit, intelligence, and creativity honed in the process of fighting foreign invaders. Therefore, the festival is rich in humanistic values, cultural imprints, and great historical significance, harmoniously combining tradition and modernity, showcasing the unique culture of the land and people of Thai Binh and the Long Hung - Hung Ha region," emphasized the Vice Chairman of the Thai Binh Provincial People's Committee.

The Tran Temple Festival has been restored and maintained on the 13th day of the first lunar month every year according to ancient traditions, with many traditional rituals imbued with humanistic values, along with traditional folk games and performances originating from the Tran Dynasty, such as the fish feast competition, the water procession, and many other beautiful customs that have been meticulously and sustainably maintained.

Prior to the opening ceremony, traditional rituals such as the Temple Opening Ceremony, the incense offering ceremony at the tombs of the Tran kings, and the water procession ceremony were held on the afternoon of February 22, 2024.

The water procession is considered the most important ritual, recreating the life of the Tran dynasty ancestors before they became kings, associated with fishing on the rivers and waterways. Today, this ritual has become a ceremony linked to the belief in praying for water, for a bountiful harvest, and to report achievements to the kings after a year of production for the inhabitants of the Red River Delta.

Highlights of the opening ceremony of the Tran Dynasty temple festival in Thai Binh province (Figure 2) — Prior to the opening ceremony, traditional rituals such as the Temple Opening Ceremony, the incense offering ceremony at the tombs of the Tran kings, and the water procession ceremony were held on the afternoon of February 22, 2024.

As for the festival itself, there are many exciting activities. In addition to maintaining the activities from 2023, including: art photography exhibition, firecracker competition, banh chung wrapping competition, fish dish competition, fire-making and rice cooking competition, tug-of-war..., this year's organizing committee has added several unique activities such as: folk singing festival, calligraphy competition, betel leaf preparation competition, wrestling competition, and chess competition.

According to the schedule, the Tran Temple Festival in Thai Binh province will take place over 5 days, from February 22nd, 2024 to February 26th, 2024 (i.e., the 13th to the 17th day of the first lunar month).

The Tran Temple Festival in Thai Binh, held at the Tran Dynasty King's Mausoleum and Temple Complex, a special national historical site, is an annual cultural and spiritual event organized to commemorate and express gratitude for the immense contributions of our ancestors in building and protecting the country.

Particularly noteworthy at this year's opening ceremony was the 3D-Mapping light show: "The Spirit of Dong A - Echoes of a Thousand Years." The performance recreated the glorious battles fought by the army and people of the Tran Dynasty in their history of nation-building and defense against foreign invaders. The show also affirmed that the "Spirit of Dong A" continues to resonate.

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