Every year on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, at the foot of Doi Mountain in Ha Nam, the Tich Dien Festival is celebrated with festive plowing ceremonies and colorful traditions. One of the most anticipated events is the buffalo painting contest, held the day before, where artists turn the strongest and most beautiful buffaloes into living canvases.

The buffalo painting contest, held on the 6th day of Tet, attracted 20 artists and art groups from various provinces this year. These carefully selected buffaloes, known as “tuyen buffaloes,” were chosen for their strong build and impressive appearance, allowing artists to showcase their creativity.

Judging criteria go beyond just colors and patterns - each artwork must also highlight the zodiac animal of the year and capture the spirit of the Tich Dien Festival.

A unique art form

Artist Hoang Trung Dung from Thai Binh said: "When participating in this contest, I carefully select paints that are safe for the buffaloes' skin to avoid irritation. While painting, I have to adjust my brush pressure to ensure even color distribution."

Locals in Ha Nam affectionately call these decorated buffaloes “nang trau” (lady buffaloes) because of the careful grooming and artistic adornment they receive.

According to Nguyen Thi Dong, the owner of buffalo No. 5, the festival primarily selects female buffaloes due to their gentle nature and easy handling. During the painting process, the buffalo’s owner remains present to keep the animal calm and ensure the artist’s safety.

The buffalo painting contest has become an integral part of the Tich Dien Festival, bringing a fresh and artistic touch to the event. The winning buffaloes in the contest earn the honor of participating in the main plowing ceremony, held on February 4 (the 7th day of the Lunar New Year).

Trong Tung