Thrilling sit-down tug-of-war game in Hanoi
VOV.VN - A sit-down tug-of-war game was held as part of the Tran Vu Temple Festival in Thach Ban Commune, Long Bien District, Hanoi on April 18, attracting many local people.
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| The annual Tran Vu Temple Festival is held on the third day of the third lunar month. The village elders prepare ritual offerings from the early morning. |
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| Before the contest, competitors offer flowers and other items to the deity of the Tran Vu Temple, including a pig’s head. |
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| Three captains of 3 teams raise coils of rattan which are used as rope for the game. |
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| The competitors are mainly men aged 18-40. All of the villagers of Thach Ban Commune, Long Bien District, Hanoi can take part in the contest. |
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| In the game, two teams sit on the ground and pull on the opposing ends of a rope that is passed through a hole in a wooden pole fixed firmly in the ground. |
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| Luong Duc Chinh, 53, who had taken part in the game for 20 years, said the key to winning is strength and solidarity, as each team has 20 men, success comes to the team with the most solidarity. |
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| All of the competitors have extremely good health, they receive great support from the cheering of local people. |
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| Chinh (second from left) analyses the movement of a competitor for his friend. |
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| Villagers beat a drum to encourage the competitors’ efforts. |
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| Whether losing or winning, tug-of-war brings happiness for everyone. Through the game, villagers want to express their wishes for good luck, bumper harvests, favourable weather conditions, and solidarity. |
