The Tich Dien Mua Xuan (Spring Ploughing) Festival, initiated more than 1,000 years ago to promote agriculture, will take place in the northern province of Ha Nam from February 18-20.

The Spring Ploughing 2009.

The festival originated from the Le dynasty in 987 when King Le Dai Hanh decided to plough in Doi Son commune, Duy Tien district, Ha Nam province to wish for bumper crops. It then became a fine tradition in early spring every year.

Various activities, including a buffalo-decorating contest, Cheo (Vietnamese traditional opera) performances, a lion dancing festival and a martial art competition, will be held during the festival.

Ha Nam province plans to organise the Ploughing Festival every year and upgrade it to a national festival.

PV