The bas-relief depicts the national figure seated on a throne, wearing a crown and an imperial cloak while watching a boat race.

The bas-relief, dating back from the late 19th century and early 20th century, was carved on a gilded wooden platform.

It is the only bas-relief in Hanoi and neighbouring localities depicting the Great Father Lac Long Quan and characters in the Hung Kings era.

The recognition was one of meaningful event to commemorate the death anniversary of the nation’s Great Father Lac Long Quan and pay tribute to the nation’s Great Mother Au Co.

It also contributes to raising public awareness on the importance of preserving and promoting the values of national heritages.

Earlier in 2014, the Great Father Lac Long Quan Temple Festival in Binh Da village, which is held annually from the fourth to the sixth days of the third lunar month, was listed among national intangible cultural heritages.

Hat Mon temple festival receives national recognition

The Hat Mon Temple Festival opened in Phuc Tho district in Hanoi on April 12 to celebrate the 1,976th anniversary of an uprising against Chinese invaders led by national heroines Hai Ba Trung, also known as the two Trung sisters.

The Phuc Tho district People’s Committee also held a ceremony on the occasion to receive a certificate honouring the festival as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The opening day featured a banh troi (floating cake) offering, folk songs and dances, among other activities.

According to historical accounts, in 40 AD, Trung Trac and her younger sister Trung Nhi formed an army to revolt against the Han Chinese troops that were invading the north and gain independence for the country after more than two centuries of foreign feudal domination.

The Hat Mon temple was built after the Trung sisters’ death to commemorate their devotion to the nation. The temple was recognised as a special national site in 2013 by the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

The Hat Mon temple festival is held on the sixth day of the first lunar month annually, the day that the uprising began.

Nhan Dan