‘Festival of Canons in Dong Ky of Vietnam' - by K J S Chatrath

 I visited the National Historical Museum of Vietnam in December 2019. While moving around the Museum, I was attracted by this colourful canon.
 
 Dong Ky firecrackers festival is held annually on the 4th of January, Lunar Calendar to welcome the king after his winning in battles in Dong Ky Wood Carving Village, Tu Son, Bac Ninh, Vietnam.


A large carved wooden canon painted crimson and gilded is the main symbol of the ‘Festival of Canons in Dong Ky’. This festival is recognized as the national intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam. The model canon is made by craftsmen from Dong Ky ward, Tu Son town, Bac Ninh province. It is decorated with dragon, unicorn, turtle and phoenix designs.
 

 Dong Ky Village used to have a contest for making and firing cannons. According to a legend, the tradition was a commemoration of General Thien Cuong who led the army and began a fight against invaders by firing a cannon on the fourth of the first lunar month during the reign of King Hung, the mythical founder of the first Vietnamese state,  - Van Lang.
 
  

 Only this photo sourced from the internet. All other photos by K J S Chatrath.


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