Artists perform a dragon dance at the Do Temple Festival.

BAC NINH (VNS) — Thousands attended the Do Temple Festival's opening yesterday, marking 1,005 years since King Ly Thai To, who began the Ly dynasty, took the throne.

The temple in northern Bac Ninh Province was built in honour of eight Ly emperors. Its central section was built in 1028 after the death of King Ly Thai To, and the complex was enlarged to incorporate the final resting places of seven of his successors.

The festival begins on the 15th day of the third lunar month and lasts three days.

The festival includes quan ho folk songs; water puppet performances; and several competitions, such as wrestling, chess, cockfighting and pigeon-releasing. — VNS