A traditional cultural festival opened on February 4 in the northern midland province of Phu Tho, marking the start of a tourism year called "Returning to the Roots".

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, who is also Director of the National Steering Committee for Tourism, attended an incense-offering ceremony of the festival, held at the Au Co Mother Temple in Hien Luong Commune, Ha Hoa District the same day.

Legend has it that Mother Au Co or fairy always descends on earth on the seventh day of the first lunar month. Tens of thousands of tourists, therefore, gathered at the temple these days to offer incense to their ancestors.

The festival, which runs from February 3 to 5, also offers tourists a chance to enjoy typical local products at a rural market held for the first time by the People's Committee of the Ha Hoa District.

The 2006 Tourism Year "Returning to the Roots" is co-hosted by Phu Tho and the northern mountainous provinces of Yen Bai and Lao Cai.

(Source: VNA)