Festivalgoers scramble to grab the lucky ball
VOV.VN - Every spring a maelstrom of pandemonium breaks out in the northern province of Vinh Phuc as revellers scramble for phet (a lucky ball) at the annual Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival.
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The festival takes place on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year (February 4 in 2017) in the Ban Gian Commune of Vinh Phuc Province. |
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It commemorates four army generals credited with defeating rebels and re-establishing peace during olden times. |
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The festival includes a variety of activities for which phet is the most chaotic, physically challenging and fun. |
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Phet is a brown ball made of precious wood measuring approximately 35cm in diameter. |
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Legend has it that those who manage to catch the ball will have all their wishes come true and have happiness and good luck throughout the rest of the lunar year. |
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The rules are simple. After three loud beats of a drum, an elder, respected villager throws the phet towards the crowd of locals, mainly young men. |
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Any person or group of people who secure the ball and successfully bring it back to the Dong Lai communal house receives a gift. |
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On the occasion, as soon as the phet is tossed, young people begin jostling in a desperate attempt to get their hands on the lucky ball. |
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As in previous years, the traditional festival rapidly turns into a turbulent, chaotic scene where people are excited and combative in their attempts to win. |
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The festival attracts thousands of guests every year leaving local police with their hands full trying to maintain some sense of order. |
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