Minister urges reform of festivals management

The cultural sector needs to focus on streamlining the organisation of festivals, controlling advertising, and proper management of the nation’s cultural heritage, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh told a meeting here on Wednesday.
The conference could discuss practical solutions to social evils and obvious negative phenomena resulting from the commercialisations of festivals, he said, including the abuse of donation-collection boxes at pagodas and temples, poor sanitation around temple and pagoda grounds, and superstitious activities during festivals.
"Concerned authorities should pay greater attention to the distortion of the festivals’ significance and cultural values," said Minister Anh.
Based on discussions at the conference, the ministry could draft a circular on festivals management, he added.
A report presented by the ministry concluded that State administration of culture, sports and tourism had been properly carried out during the first six months of the year, with more elements of society joining in sponsoring various local cultural, sport and tourism activities, creating a positive political atmosphere in the country.