A resounding drum performance opened Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival 2013 on April 17 in the northern province of Ninh Binh in tribute to King Dinh Tien Hoang who established the first centralised feudal state in Vietnam in 968.

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 favourable geographical conditions owned by the locality.

During the 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 and developing economy, culture, and arts.

Speaking at the event, Secretary of the Hoa Lu district Party Committee Nguyen Sy Tri stressed that the festival aims to remind the offspring of the traditional national construction and defence fostered by our ancestors.

This is also a chance to promote patriotism and national pride among younger generations and encourage them to do more for the nation, Tri said.

As part of the National Tourism Year on Red River Delta 2013, the event is expected to promote provincial tourism potential and cultural products to domestic and international visitors, he added.

At the opening ceremony, festival-goers joined in a water parade from the Hoang Long River to King Ding’s Temple , and the festive atmosphere, which was created by numerous activities such as a cheo (traditional opera) singing, traditional wrestling, a human chess play, and artifact shows.

A special art performance recounted Dinh Bo Linh’s sworn-in ceremony.-VNA