Pilgrims walk under rains to revere Hung Kings

Wearing raincoats, a group of people who traditionally perform the worship rituals head to Thuong (Upper) Temple on Nghia Linh, where the Hung Kings are worshiped, on Saturday morning.

Vietnamese celebrate the commemoration day of the Hung Kings (2879-258 BCE) on the 10th of the third lunar month every year. A festival is organized at the Hung Kings Temple atop the mountain near Hanoi.

Men carry traditional Vietnamese flags to the temple.

Locals stand along the main path to the temple to watch the rituals as a police officer stands guard.

President Vo Van Thuong (4th, L) leads a delegation of leaders to the temple for the rituals.

From left to right: General Luong Cuong, head of the general politics department of the Vietnam People's Army; Tran Thanh Man, vice chairman of the National Assembly; President Vo Van Thuong; Minister of Public Security General To Lam; and Bui Van Quang, chairman of Phu Tho Province, offer incense at the temple.

Barriers are removed for pilgrims to enter the temple.

A man brings votive papers and confectionery to offer at the kings’ altars.

An overview of the Hung Kings’ Temple area.

Phu Tho Province estimates around six million people, including from abroad, visited the Hung Kings’ Temple in the last 10 days.