Party, State and Ha Noi municipal dignitaries then burned incense before the Statue of King Ly Thai To who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu in northern Ninh Binh Province to Dai La - now Ha Noi.
The ceremony at the Ly Thai To Flower Garden, across from Hoan Kiem Lake, drew 1,000 guests, including senior Party, State and HaØ Noi officials as well as foreign diplomats.
Elsewhere, thousands flooded into city precincts filled with flags, flowers, music and multi-coloured lanterns.
Others watched the opening ceremony on giant screens installed throughout the city or on television.
Ha Noi Party Committee Secretary Pham Quang Nghi emphasised that the historical transfer had been an extraordinary step for the nation that had reaffirmed the will to build national independence and unification and ushered in a new era for the Dai Viet (Great Viet Nam).
"At this solemn moment, Vietnamese citizens from all corners express respect for and gratitude to the immense contribution of our predecessors to national defence and construction," he said.
"Thang Long – Ha Noi is where the minds and hearts of talented and creative peple together with the golden hands of working people have converged to construct the capital."
Doi moi (renewal) had highlighted Ha Noi's role as nation's capital, said Nghi as he described the city's achievements of the past two years.
"Ha Noi is determined to fulfill the tasks of socio-economic development" and better serve its residents, he said.
Honour
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) general director Irina Bokova presented Ha Noi with a certificate recognising the Thang Long Royal Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage site at the opening.
Viet Nam's lively memories of the capital transfer 1,000 years ago, which "few countries could match," was to be admired, she said.
But the general director, who dressed a traditional ao dai, cautioned that although UNESCO's recognition was an honour, it would require new commitment to their city from its residents.
"You carry the responsibility to promote and preserve the heritage for the future generations," she said.
The grand ceremony indicated the profound respect the Vietnamese people had for their predecessors and the mass attendance showed their strong link to their splendid past.
The ceremony ended with the release of 1,000 pigeons as a symbol of peace.
Phong Dieu (Bird Release) Club member Do Van Vuc of Soc Son District said: "The release of the 1,000 pigeons represents our memory of King Ly Cong Uan - the birth name of Ly Thai To.
"It was a great honour to contribute pigeons and take part in the ceremony. I have never attended such a great event."
The opening ceremony was followed with performances from thousands of artists on five grand stages around Hoan Kiem Lake.
In high spirits
Joy, emotion and pride were vivid on the faces of many people who attended the ceremony and other events.
Ninety-year-old former Agriculture Minister Tran Van Quywas among them.
"All the memories of old time Ha Noi seem to be reviving," he said after attending the opening ceremony.
"I'm proud that Ha Noi is a city of peace and preserves its typical features. I hope the city will grow stronger and maintain its solidarity."
Born and raised in Ha Noi, Hoang Thi Phuc, 81, arrived for the opening ceremony with two sisters and one brother one hour before it began.
"I'm weak now and can't walk by myself," she said. "But I wanted to come here to witness these splendid moments for the city," explained the elderly woman whose family served with the army.
"It's so emotional.
"In our era, the nation was under-developed but now it becomes more and more beautiful each day."
Phuc's younger sister, Hoang Thi Hong Van, who returned from the US for the anniversary, shared the emotion.
"The organisation of events is excellent," she said.
"I'm happy to come and live in the excitement of the festival. I'm happy to see the growth of the nation," said Van, who left Ha Noi 31 years ago.
A delegation of 190 overseas Vietnamese from 34 countries and territories also returned for the anniversary.
They represented more than 4 million Vietnamese living throughout the world.
Vietnamese were not alone in enjoying the day.
"I feel so good and so proud to be here in Viet Nam at this moment," said Nigerian Akau Ntekpere.
"Ha Noi is very rich in culture and has a long history."
Israeli amateur photographer and tourist Orna Kalgrad said she had n1ever seen so many people on the streets.
"The people are so excited. Although I'm interested in photographing people, I'd love to look at the other activities."
Four Belgian tourists wearing head bands reading "Thang Long - Ha Noi" said it was pleasant for them to join the celebrations just some hours after they arrived in the city. — VNS
This holidays, go Cycling from South to Hanoi is a good idea! Check more Vietnam Adventure tours & our Mekong adventure tours now!
No comments:
Post a Comment