President Truong Tan Sang and thousands of people gathered at the Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province today (April 28) to mark the opening of the Hung Kings' Festival, expected to draw six million visitors over the six-day event.
Incense offering ritual
The festival, held on the 10th day of the third lunar month in honour of Vietnam's traditional founders and its first emperors, began with the lighting of incense at the temple.
Truong will lead a procession from the foot of Nghia Linh Mountain to the Lower Temple, Middle Temple and Upper Temple. At the forefront were soldiers carrying the national flag and festival banners, 14 women carrying incense, flowers and other offerings, and 100 men carrying banners.
President Truong Tan Sang (second from right) pays tribute to the Hung Kings
Chu Ngoc Anh, the chairman of Phu Tho Province People's Committee, will give a speech about the efforts and achievements of the kings, the foundation of Vietnam, and the contribution of subsequent generations.
Routes leading to the temples were packed with people. Organisers said about two million visitors were expected at the temples during the day, with total attendance expected to top six million during the six-day festival.