(VOVworld) – The traditional dragon boat race took place on Tuesday, the third day of the Lunar New Year, in the central province of Ha Tinh. The annual festival, which dates back the 16^th century, features the locals’ wishes for peace, favorable weather and bumper crop in the new year. Thousands of people attended the festival on both banks of Minh Giang river. Dang Quang Vinh, Head of Culture and Information Department of Hong Linh township in Ha Tinh province, said: “Before racing, we hold a ritual to worship our ancestors and pray for favorable weather, smooth businesses and new development. The dragon boats are taken to the river in a procession ritual. Many people join in the festival.”

Photo: Vietnamnet