The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival, or “Ball Kicking and Robbing Festival,” is a vibrant and energetic celebration held annually in Ban Gian Commune, Lap Thach District, in the northern province of Vinh Phuc, just 70 kilometers from Hanoi. This year, the festival took place on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, falling on February 4th, and is believed to bring good luck to the winner of its thrilling signature game.
With a history spanning centuries, the festival honors Vietnam’s ancient martial arts traditions and military preparedness. Its origins date back to the reign of the Third Hung King (2524 – 2253 BC), a time of internal strife and banditry in the country, including the Lap Thach area.
In response to the turmoil, the king dispatched four generals to restore order in the region. These generals, in preparation for potential foreign invasions, devised a unique training game for their soldiers. A large wooden ball, named Qua Phet, was crafted, greased, and rolled out into an open field, where soldiers would engage in a spirited contest to seize control of it. The brave souls who managed to capture the ball and place it in the designated spot received lavish rewards.
The people of Lap Thach, to pay homage to these legendary generals, constructed five communal houses, which now serve as repositories for the sacred balls and venues for the exciting game. It is widely believed that the fortunate villager who emerges victorious in capturing the ball will be blessed with good fortune, bringing prosperity to the entire community for the year ahead.
Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
|
|
The festival is a vibrant celebration comprising two main parts: the solemn ceremony and the energetic festival itself.
|
|
|
|
The ceremony includes the traditional offering of incense and processions to the village communal houses, honoring the legacy of the generals.
|
|
|
|
The ball robbery game is the festival’s main attraction, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic young men from the four villages to compete and showcase their skills.
|
|
|
|
A close-up view of the wooden ball, the centerpiece of the exciting game.
|
|
|
|
The procession of the saint’s palanquin, with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a touch of festivity and cultural significance to the event.
|
|
|
|
The crowd cheers on the competitors, eagerly anticipating the moment when one of them successfully captures the elusive wooden ball.
|
|
|
|
It is believed that whoever touches the ball during the game will be blessed with good luck for the entire year.
|
|
|
|
The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival presents a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in cultural history, community spirit, and the excitement of a time-honored tradition passed down through generations.
|
.jpeg)
