Tran temple seal-opening ceremony draws huge crowds

The ceremony reenacts a custom dating back to the Tran Dynasty era when mandarins would resume work after the Lunar New Year holidays. The event began at 11pm, and as usual it opened with a procession to take the seal from Cố Trạch Temple to Thiên Trường Temple, where 14 kings of the Tran Dynasty are worshipped.

Lucky seals were distributed to tourists from 5am this morning. The ceremony is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage and attracts thousands of visitors annually.