Nhan Dan Online- The Tich Dien (King’s Ploughing) Festival was held on the seventh day of the first lunar month in Doi Son commune, Duy Tien district, the northern province of Ha Nam.

The event marked a spring day in the 10th century when King Le Dai Hanh ploughed a field to encourage people to work diligently. The festival had the attendance of President Nguyen Minh Triet.

The Tich Dien Festival originated during the Tran dynasty in 987. During the lunar New Year, King Le Dai Hanh decided to plough a field in Doi Son Commune of Duy Tien District. It is believed that while ploughing, the King found a vase of gold and a vase of silver. The activity has become an annual springtime tradition.

President Nguyen Minh Triet attends the festival.

Procession.

Drum performance.

Palanquin carrying procession

Country girls with baskets of seeds.

The festival has the participation of many old people.

82 year old man Dinh Trong Ten does the first ploughing. 

Preparing seeds sowing ritual

Buffaloes are decorated for the festival.

President Nguyen Minh Triet joins the ploughing

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat also joins the ploughing.

Dragon dance at the festival.

Traditional wrestling

The festival attracts a lot of people.