Cua Ong Temple Festival in the northern province of Quang Ninh receives the national intangible cultural heritage status at a ceremony held in the locality on February 28.

The recognition poses a challenge to local authorities and people in preserving and promoting the temple’s cultural and historical values.

The Temple is dedicated to Tran Quoc Tang, the third son of Tran Hung Dao. He was a hero in the resistance war against the Mongol invaders under the Tran Dynasty in the 11th century.

The festival is held to commemorate his contributions to defeating enemies and brought peace to the region.

The main festive day falls on the third and the fourth days of the second lunar month. The festival continues until the 30th day of the third lunar month with a wide range of activities, including the incense offering ritual, cock fighting, quan ho (duet folk singing), boat racing and tug of war.

The temple, formally called Cua Suot Temple, is one of the famous vestiges of the Tran dynasty in the northeast region. The Temple has three areas: Lower Temple, Middle Temple and Upper Temple, facing the majestic Bai Tu Long Bay which is close to the World Heritage Ha Long Bay.

The Middle and Lower Temples were both destroyed during war but today the Lower Temple was restored.

Vu Hong Chuong, deputy director of the temple management board, said that the board is accelerating the restoration work. 

VNA