Tug of war is one of the favourite folk games in Vietnam and it has become an exciting festival in Binh Xuyen District, Vinh Phuc Province that will fascinate any visitor.

The festival aims at reproducing the demonstration of the naval forces led by national hero Ngo Quyen (the 10th century) during the Bach Dang Victory over the northern invaders.

The festival is held at Huong Canh Village’s Communal House with the participation of three teams, each having 25 men, from Huong Canh, Ngoc Canh and Tien Huong Villages.

To prepare for the festival, the locals plant an ironwood pillar in the communal house’s ground and thread a rattan rope through a pole on the pillar.

Each team holds the rope’s end and competes with the others. The winner is awarded rice, pigs and cows.

For years, the festival has been preserved in Binh Xuyen District as a rite to show the gratitude of Binh Xuyen villagers to those who had the merit for national construction and protection.

 

 

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The festival is held at Huong Canh Village’s Communal House.

 

 

 

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A long rattan rope is threaded through a pole on an ironwood pillar.

 

 

 

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Two teams compete with each other.

 

 

 

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Middle-aged men also participate in the game.

 

 

 

 

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 Waving flags to encourage competitors.

 

 

 

 

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Each team includes 25 strong men.

 

 

 

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Preparing for the competition.

 

 

 

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 Making every effort to win the game.

 

 

 

 

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Competitors eat ginseng to increase their strength.

 

 

 

 

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Competitors try their best at the contest.

 

 

 

 

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 Showing high determination to win the game.

 

 

 

 

 

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Crazy fans.

 

 

Source: VNP