Charm seekers faint at chaotic Tran Temple fest
Print 
A not so charming scene occurred yesterday evening at the Tran Temple Festival held in the northern province of Nam Dinh when dozens fainted after jostling and elbowing one another to lay their hands on a lucky talisman being sold there.
Traditionally thought to bring good luck, the yellow charms are officially priced at VND20,000 (US$1) each but since many could not reach the sale points, the amulets were sold 10 times more expensive by scalpers.
Charms were in so high a demand that the festival’s management board sent more employees to sell them but still could not meet pilgrims’ needs.
Although the festival officially opened at 11:00 pm yesterday, nearby roads were flooded much earlier.
From 20:00 pm, police set up barriers to prevent tourists from elbowing one another to reach the amulets but this proved fruitless.
Some extremists shouted and climbed over the barriers.
The packed, frenzied atmosphere caused dozens to faint, mostly elderly people and women.
The Tran Temple Festival is held annually on the death anniversary of General Tran Hung Dao, falling on 15th day of the first lunar month.
It takes place at the historical site of the Tran Dynasty at the outskirts of Nam Dinh.
The festival features solemn rituals, such as palanquin procession, and traditional cultural activities.
