Ninh Binh (VNA) - State President Tran Dai Quang beat a drum to open the Truong Yen Festival 2016 at the Hoa Lu ancient 🌃capital historic site in the northern province of Ninh Binh on April 15.

This year’s festival took place from April 15-17, aiming to commemorate King Dinh Tien Hoang who established the first centralised feudal state in Vietnam in 968. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dinh Van Dien highlighted the great role and accomplishments of King Dinh Tien Hoang in quelling internal revolts 1,048 years ago. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne and took the name of King Dinh Tien Hoang and reunified the country under the name of Dai Co Viet whose ancient capital is Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province. The location of the kingdom was based on the favourable geographical conditions of the locality. During his 12-year reign, which ended in 979, King Dinh Tien Hoang built a strongly-institutionalised dynasty with a well-arranged administration and strong military force, and prioritised making use of natural land reserves while developing economy, culture and arts. With its salient and everlasting values, the Hoa Lu ancient capital was recorgnised as a national historic and architectural site by the Prime Minister. It is part of the Trang An scenic landscape complex, which was recognised as the world Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Truong Yen festival has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue announced the Prime Minister’s Decision on recognising the stone pillar carved with Buddhist scripts at Nhat Tru pagoda in Hoa Lu district as a national treasure. In the framework of the festival, a series of activities were arranged, including a calligraphy contest, a decoration contest of five-fruit tray, traditional games and chess playing.-VNA