The Ben Tre River was resplendent and solemn as thousands of hoa dang (flower garlands and coloured lanterns) floated on its surface on January 16, commemorating martyrs of an uprising that changed the course of the nation’s history.
The
hoa dang festival is one of four important events organised by the provincial People’s Committee to express the country’s deepest gratitude for those who gave up their lives in the Ben Tre Uprising 50 years ago on January 17, 1960 against the US-backed Sai Gon regime.
The festival was held at the Hoang Lam Monument on the banks of the Ben Tre River. Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong, Minister of Transport Ho Nghia Dung, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Vinh Ai and Chairman of Ben Tre provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thai Xay were among those participating in the event.
Huynh Van Be, Chairman of Ben Tre provincial People’s Council, said the
hoa dang festival not only showed the country’s gratitude to the martyrs, but also expressed the strong determination of Vietnamese people to build and defend the country. A minute’s silence was observed during the event in memory of those who died.
The festival also intended to educate, foster and uphold the patriotism of the Vietnamese people, especially the younger generation, Be said.
The screening of a film depicting the historical scene of Hoang Lam sinking an enemy vessel on Ben Tre River was held at the festival.
Deputy Prime Minister Trong inaugurated the festival by lighting the first floating lantern set afloat on the river.
The electrical lighting system along Hung Vuong Street across Ben Tre River was shut off for a while in order to highlight the light emanating from floating lanterns.
Thousands of elaborate floating lanterns were made and placed on the river by thousands of citizens as well as the provincial Women’s Association, Farmers’ Association, Labour Union and Veterans’ Association.
The lanterns were of various shapes, including that of stars and lotuses, and many were made with coconut, the province’s main produce.
Around 50 small to medium sized flower boats with five to 10 persons each were mobilised to facilitate the lantern floating process. Six temporary bridges along the river also helped participants float their lanterns.
The 50th anniversary of the Ben Tre uprising was also marked with a series of other events including the second Coconut Festival, a coconut fashion contest, a coconut culinary contest and a children’s of Festival.