Thai Binh (VNA) - A range of spring festivals aretaking place in the north of Vietnam as locals wish for a year full ofhappiness, health and prosperity.

One of the biggest celebrations, Tran Temple Festival,which aims to commemorate the great dedication of kings in the Tran Dynasty(1225-1400) in founding and protecting the nation, kicked off at night ofFebruary 28 with the participation of thousands of local residents.

This year’s festival commemorates the 730th anniversary of the third victory over the invading Mongols.

The five-day festival features traditionalrituals, a fish-cooking contest, folk games as well as a water procession inwhich water was taken from the Red River and carried for nearly 20km as anoffering to Tran Kings.

One of the most significant contributions of theTran dynasty is repelling the aggressive Yuan-Mongol invaders three times inthe 13th century.

The festival is held annually in Hung Ha districtof the northern province of Thai Binh, an important military base in the fightagainst the Yuan-Mongols and the resting place of some Tran kings.

Starting from the early 12th century,the Tran family settled in Thai Binh province, where they grew rice and fishedfor a living. Thus this area is believed to be the founding place of the TranDynasty, one of the most powerful dynasties in the feudal history of Vietnam.This was also home to several temples and shrines dedicated to the Tran royalfamily.

Meanwhile, the Dong Cuong Temple Festival in DongCuong commune, Van Yen district of the northern mountainous province of Yen Baifeatured traditional rituals praying for good things in the New Year.

A wide range of cultural and sport activitieswere arranged during the two-day event, including the sacrifice of the whitebuffalo, art performances and sports contests like volleyball, tug of war,wrestling and boat races.

The festival closed on February 28.

In the mountainous province of BacKan, the Mu La Festival is organised from the 12th to 14th day of the firstlunar month (February 27- March 1) with the aim of waving off the unfortunatehappenings of the previous year and to wish for favourable weather andhappiness for local people.

It features folk games like bird fighting, cow fighting, sports games andbonfires.

This is an opportunity to introduce and promotethe culture and customs of local ethnic people as well as the beautifullandscapes of Bac Kan and Tuyen Quang to visitors.

Mu La is located in Co Linh Commune of Bac Kan province,bordering Tuyen Quang province.-VNA