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This peace-wishing event is arguably ‘Vietnam’s merriest festival’

This peace-wishing event is arguably ‘Vietnam’s merriest festival’

Tuesday, June 06, 2017, 15:11 GMT+7

A photographer believes that the Dai Ky Yen Festival in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam is the country’s ‘merriest festival’.

Photographer Huynh Phuc Hau has captured photos of a Dai Ky Yen celebration in his hometown in Binh Thuy Commune, Chau Phu District of An Giang Province.

The Dai Ky Yen (Wish for Peace) Festival is an annual Tuletary God Worshipping event that takes place every year on the ninth and tenth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar.

It is a time for locals to express their gratitude to the founders and protectors of their village as well as pray for favorable weather and abundant crops.

On the occasion, villagers gather at the village hall to witness sacred ceremonies and take part in traditional community-based activities.

During festive days, numerous other events are also planned, such as folk-song singing competitions, lion dancing, boat racing, martial arts performances and cosplay.

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Young villagers in tribal make-up at the Dai Ky Yen Festival in Binh Thuy Commune, Chau Phu District, An Giang Province, June 3-4, 2017. Photo: Huynh Phuc Hau

According to Hau, the festival has been observed for a long time, though in recent years it has taken on a more relaxed and fun-loving tone as the living conditions of locals have improved.

This year, the Dai Ky Yen Festival in Binh Thuy was held on June 3 and 4, marking the 234th anniversary of the village’s foundation in 1782.

From early Saturday morning, a procession honoring the Tuletary God made its way past every household in the village where delicious offerings had been prepared by the villagers.

The procession was led by a Tuletary God vehicle, followed by those of local officials and elders and lastly by young villagers in tribal dress-up.

According to photographer Huynh Phuc Hau, the tribal dress pays tribute to the ancient tribes that originally inhabited the area.

Recently they had given the procession a more creative twist, including more colorful costumes and cosplay of mermaids and haunted dolls, Hau said.

Check out the photos captured by Huynh Phuc Hau at the Dai Ky Yen Festival in Binh Thuy Commune, Chau Phu District, An Giang Province, June 3-4, 2017.

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

The Tuletary God procession

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

The Tuletary God procession

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Young villagers in tribal make-up

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Young villagers in tribal make-up

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Young villagers in tribal make-up

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Youths participate in a canoe race.

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Spectators on a makeshift boat made from banana trees

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Spectators on a makeshift boat made from banana trees

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Young villagers in tribal make-up

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Two spectators sit under an umbrella to cheer for canoe racers.

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Locals cheer for canoe racers.

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

Youths participate in a canoe race.

Lễ hội Đại kỳ yên hóa trang tưng bừng 'vui nhất Việt Nam'

The village hall of Binh Thuy Commune, Chau Phu District, An Giang Province

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