The other name for Tuen Ng Festival is Dragon Boat festival. As one of the Hong Kong events, it is celebrated on the fifth moon day and marks the death of Qu Yuan, a famous Chinese national hero. Qu Yuan actively protested against the corrupt rulers and drowned himself in the Mi Lo River. The incident dates back to 2000 years ago. It is believed that after Qu Yuan drowned in the river people went to rescue him by throwing dumplings and beating drums. This was done to scare away fishes so that they do not eat up Qu Yuan's body.
The festival of Tuen Ng centers around long dragon boats racing, which is the charm of the show.
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The boats measure about 10 meters and are decorated intricately.The boats have dragon heads and tails and have an accommodation capacity of 20 to 22 paddlers. The boats race against each other to the heavy beat of the drums. Participants of the Dragon Boat festival practice hard for the race. A drummer stands in front of the boat and a steers-man at the end while the participants sit beside each other facing the same direction. They row the boat in a fast pace to reach the finishing line.
To pay tribute to Qu Yuan's sacrifice, the Tueng Ng festival in Hong Kong is celebrated. During this festival people eat rice and meat dumplings, duly wrapped in bamboo leaves. This fun filled event is worth watching to get a taste of the Hong Kong festivals.
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