Binh Da Festival becomes national intangible cultural heritage

(Cinet) - Binh Da festival of Thanh Oanh district in Hanoi has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in Decision No.959/QĐ-BVHTTDL on April 1.

The certificate awarding ceremony, which coincided with the ongoing festival, was attended by Hanoi Party Secretary Pham Quang Nghi as well as local officials and residents. Binh Da festival is takes place annually from the 25^th day of the second lunar month to the fifth day of the third lunar month to commemorate the nation’s legendary father Lac Long Quan.

The festival includes many activities, including ancestral offerings, a drum performance, a procession and various folk games, attracting both locals and visitors.

The Festival consists of three parts. The first chapter will tell the story of ancient temples in other cultures like the Greeks, Egyptians and Mayans. The second chapter will tell the legend of Lac Long Quan, who was said to be a dragon born in water. The third chapter will describe the history of today's Lac Long Quan Temple, which was first built in bamboo and soil, then upgraded in wood and stone as you can see it.

Thanh Oai Chairman Nguyen Hong Yen said the district authorities have held many activities to raise public awareness of their responsibility to preserve and promote the values of the festival.

According to the legend, the village of Binh Da was the place chosen by Lac Long Quan for his sons to start out their career.