Pilgrimage to the source through the Northwest

Implementing Instruction No. 135-HD-BTGTW dated January 8, 2024 of the Central Propaganda Department on propaganda and celebration of the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024), the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations (including the leaders of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations chaired by the Central specialized Literature and Arts Associations, and the Literature and Arts Associations of 09 provinces and cities: Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho) coordinated with the leaders of Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien provinces to organize a program for delegates who are artists of the above Literature and Arts Associations to participate in a pilgrimage to the source with the theme Through the Northwest - back to Dien Bien.

Journey to the source through the Northwest with Dien Bien 1 — Associate Professor, Doctor, Musician Do Hong Quan - Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations delivered the opening speech at the press conference.

Speaking at the opening of the press conference, Associate Professor, Doctor, Musician Do Hong Quan - Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations said that this is a peak political and artistic activity of the literary and artistic community nationwide, aiming to promote the heroic tradition of our army and people, demonstrating the deep attachment and companionship of literature and art with the heroic history of the nation.

Through that, today's artists and writers will be inspired to create, fueled with passionate patriotism and pioneering revolutionary heroism, to continue to have new creative achievements, meeting the requirements of the cause of cultural revival and building Vietnamese people in the new era.

The program contributes to enhancing cultural and artistic exchanges, directing creative orientations, launching creative competitions for high-quality works in the fields of literature and arts, worthy of the historical, cultural and revolutionary traditions of the nation, practically implementing the Party's Resolutions, towards the Congress of Central Specialized Literature and Arts Associations and the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations for the 2025-2030 term.

"Thereby honoring and deeply expressing gratitude to generations of Vietnamese people who have devoted, sacrificed, and made many contributions to the cause of fighting to protect independence and gain national reunification; promoting propaganda and promotion at home and abroad about the country, its people, and literature and art in the new era," Associate Professor, Doctor, Musician Do Hong Quan emphasized.

The pilgrimage program "Through the Northwest - Returning to Dien Bien" takes place from April 15 to 21, 2024 (7 days), with about 70 people in the pilgrimage group. The group will go through the following locations: Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien.

The program takes place with the following main activities:

On the first day (April 15), after the Departure Ceremony at the Union Headquarters at 66 Nguyen Van Huyen, Hanoi, the delegation of artists led by the leaders of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations will board a bus and head straight to the Northwest, traveling a distance of 474km to reach the destination of Dien Bien Phu City.

Stopping in Hoa Binh province, the pilgrimage group will offer incense at the Uncle Ho Monument at Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant; Visit the Muong Ethnic Museum; Meet with Provincial Leaders and participate in cultural and artistic exchanges with local VNS.

On the second day (April 16), the delegation stopped in Son La province to meet with provincial leaders; visit Son La prison relic and exchange cultural performances with local artists.

On the third day (April 17), the delegation arrived in Dien Bien province, staying in Dien Bien for 3 days (until April 19): Visiting the historical site of Muong Phang - the headquarters of the Vietnamese Command during the Dien Bien Phu campaign; Offering incense at the Martyrs' Temple at the Dien Bien Phu battlefield; Visiting A1 Cemetery; Visiting the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum, De Castries' bunker; Cultural exchange with local artists.

In addition, there was a Scientific Discussion: Dien Bien Phu - an epic poem, a great source of creative inspiration for literature and art, chaired by the Literature and Art Theory and Criticism Council of the Union of Literature and Art Associations, with the response of more than 30 papers submitted. Within the framework of the Discussion, the Union's leaders will launch a new creative campaign about Dien Bien Phu.

Finally, the delegation visited and presented gifts to the students of Him Lam Primary School, and launched a children's painting contest on the theme of Dien Bien Phu victory. During the last two days (April 20-21), the delegation will move to Hanoi (stopping in Moc Chau - Hoa Binh), and return to Hanoi in the evening of April 21.

News and photos: Trung Nguyen

Source