A traditional cultural festival opened on February 4 in the northern midland province of Phu Tho, marking the start of a tourism year called "Returning to the Roots".

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, who is also Director of the National Steering Committee for Tourism, attended an incense-offering ceremony of the festival, held at Au Co Mother Temple in Hien Luong commune, Ha Hoa district the same day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Khoan stressed that through  "Returning to the Roots", visitors will have a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery as well as special cultural identities of 40 ethnic groups living in the three provinces of Phu Tho, Yen Bai and Lao Cai. Mr Khoan affirmed that the programme not only promotes patriotism but also creates a driving force to strengthen tourism development and nature preservation and promote national cultural identities and international exchanges.

Legend has it that fairy Mother Au Co always descends on earth on the seventh day of the first lunar month. Tens of thousands of tourists like to gather at the temple during these days to offer incense to their ancestors.

The festival, which runs from the February 3-5, also offers tourists a chance to enjoy typical local products at a rural market held for the first time by the People's Committee of Ha Hoa district.

The 2006 Tourism Year "Returning to the Roots" is co-hosted by Phu Tho and the northern mountainous provinces of Yen Bai and Lao Cai.

The same day, Deputy Vu Khoan worked with the provincial authorities and Party Committee and offered them best wishes.