To mark the occasion, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien handed over a certificate to the district People’s Committee recognising the festival as a piece of national intangible cultural heritage.

In his opening speech, Secretary of the Hung Ha Party Committee and Chairman of the district People’s Committee Nguyen Hong Chuyen affirmed that over the past 800 years, the tombs of the Tran Kings and members of the royal family have been preserved to remind people of one of the most prosperous dynasties of Vietnam’s feudal society.

The Tran dynasty (1255-1400) ruled during an age of affluence in Vietnam, with significant triumphs against foreign invaders (most famously overcoming three Mongol invasions), outstanding socio-economic development and rich culture, said Chuyen who is head of the festival steering board.

The festival, held every first lunar month, helps to preserve and promote national cultural values, he noted.

An art performance, re-enacting the history of the Tran dynasty since its inception, wrapped up the opening ceremony.

Various activities like folk games and art performances will take place during the event, which will last until February 17.

The same festival is also held at the Tran temple complex in the neighbouring province of Nam Dinh between February 13-16.

While Nam Dinh was the first residence of the Tran dynasty founders, Hung Ha was the place where the dynasty was founded some 800 years ago.