(HBO) - The Muong Thang new crop festival opened on February 10 in Dung Phong commune, Cao Phong district of the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh.
A unique gong performance
at the Muong Thang newcrop festival
The Muong Thang newcrop festival, also called the ploughing festival,
includes the ritual and festive activities. The rituals take place at the shrine of Dong Nhat hamlet, where the
village’s tutelary gods are worshipped. They include the palanquin procession
from the shrine to the place where the festival is held and vice versa. The procession
is solemnly held with flags, parasols and offerings with the participation of the
elderly, monks and crowds of local people.
The festive activities include folk
games such as ‘con’ ball throwing, duck catching and other sports, as well as a
singing contest, gong and folk music performances which are deeply imbued with the
Muong people’s cultural identity.
The festival offers a chance for
locals to express their gratitude towards and respect for gods who contributed
to forming the Muong land. Through the festival, local residents pray for a happy
and successful New Year, with positive achievements in socio-economic
development.
It is also a good opportunity
for Muong Thang people to meet and join together in exchange activities, thus tightening
the solidarity in the community./.
As part of Project 6 under the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2024, Lạc Sơn District, Hoa Binh province focuses on diverse and practical activities to promote the project's goal: "Preserving and promoting the beautiful traditional cultural values of ethnic groups in conjunction with tourism development."
After 3 years of implementing Resolution No. 04-NQ/TU, dated October 11, 2021 of the Provincial Party Standing Committee on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage values of Hoa Binh province's ethnic groups in the period of 2021 – 2025 with the orientation to 2030 (NQ04), it has mobilized the participation of the entire political system, the people from all walks of life and there have been positive changes. So far, out of the 10 targets of NQ04, 3 targets have been met and exceeded the plan set for 2025. Typically, 70% of the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of ethnic groups in the province is on the list of the national ICH items and they have been protected and restored, exceeding 20% of the proposed Resolution.
Great National Unity Day has been recently celebrated in Duong hamlet, Vay Nua commune, Da Bac district, in an atmosphere of warmth and community spirit. The event highlighted national identity and strengthened the bond of solidarity among residents.
On November 28, the People's Committee of Cao Phong district organized the Cultural and Sports Festival of Cao Phong district's ethnic groups in 2024.
