The Con Son-Kiep Bac Autumn Festival 2015 lures over 20,000 visitors (Source: VNA) The Con Son-Kiep Bac Autumn Festival 2015 held from September 22-October 2 welcomed over 20,000 local and foreign visitors, according to the Con Son-Kiep Bac relic management board.
The Con Son - Kiep Bac Autumn Festival in the northern province of Hai Duong memorises General Tran Hung Dao (or Tran Quoc Tuan), one of the most revered figures in Vietnam’s history. This year marked the 715 th death anniversary of the General.
Under the Tran Dynasty (1225 – 1400), the Supreme Commander led the Dai Viet (Great Vietnam) army to victories over three major Mongolian invasions, making him one of the most accomplished military strategists in world history. He passed away on August 20 (lunar calendar) in 1300 at the age of 70.
To commemorate the hero, local residents built Kiep Bac temple, which was recognised as a national heritage site in 1962 and a special national heritage site in 2012.
The festival featured a range of traditional rituals and cultural activities such as incense-offering ceremonies, a water puppetry festival and a boat race.
Located in Chi Linh district, Con Son – Kiep Bac relic was the site of many important battles between the Tran Dynasty army and the Yuan-Mongolian invaders.
It was also closely associated with the lives and careers of Tran Quoc Tuan and the Great Man of Culture of the World Nguyen Trai (1380-1442), one of Vietnam's most famous poets and writers.
Con Son-Kiep Bac spring and autumn festivals were recognised as national intangible cultural heritage in 2013.-VNA
