Every year, from the 7^th to the 9^th day of the first lunar month, locals of Thai Thuong Commune (Thai Thuy District, Thai Binh Province) and visitors from all over eagerly return to attend the Het Temple Festival, immersing themselves in the region’s unique coastal folk games.

Het Temple is dedicated to General Pham Ngu Lao, a distinguished military commander during the reign of King Tran Nhan Tong. During the resistance against French colonial rule, the temple served as a key gathering point for revolutionary forces, local militias, and main-force soldiers to coordinate their efforts. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) designated Het Temple as a national historical and cultural site in 1993.

During the festival, in addition to traditional rituals, processions, and incense offerings, various cultural performances and sporting competitions such as wrestling, tug-of-war, and boat racing are held. Notably, the ball wrestling and traditional wrestling events—martial games originally created by General Pham Ngu Lao to train his soldiers while stationed in the area—have been preserved and passed down by the local community to this day.

Da Nang Weekend invites you to experience this unique festival through the lens of photographer Hoang Vu (Quang Nam).

To participate in the ball wrestling game, each village selects 18 strong and energetic young men. They are then divided into two teams, each consisting of nine players: one leader (Tuong) and eight warriors (Quan). The leader is chosen based on physical strength, good morals, and outstanding character.

The participants are divided into two teams. The Nong team (representing Agriculture) wears red trousers, while the Ngu team (representing Fisheries) wears blue trousers.

The ball used in the game is made from the core of a wild banana trunk, carefully carved into a smooth, round shape, weighing approximately 8 to 10 kilograms.

At the referee’s signal, the ball wrestling match begins. Players must use their strength, agility, and skill to seize control of the smooth, heavy ball.

After two rounds of competition (lasting about 20 minutes), the team that successfully places the ball into their basket the most times will be declared the winner.

 Translating by HONG VAN