On January 11th, the People's Committee of Mai Chau district ( Hoa Binh province ) organized the Gau Tao Festival in Hang Kia and Pa Co communes.
This is a unique traditional folk cultural activity, reflecting the long-standing cultural and religious practices of the Hmong people of Hoa Binh.
The festival attracted thousands of local people and tourists from within and outside the province.
At the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Mai Chau District, Hoang Duc Minh, emphasized the annual organization of the Gau Tao Festival, clearly affirming the special attention of all levels and sectors in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group in Hoa Binh.
This is also an opportunity for Mai Chau district to strengthen the promotion and introduction of the history, culture, and tourism potential of the two communes of Hang Kia and Pa Co to domestic and international tourists.
The festival not only fulfills the aspirations and spiritual lives of the people of Hang Kia and Pa Co communes, but also contributes to building a healthy cultural and spiritual life and creates a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere for the people of the two communes to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Snake in 2025.
The Gầu Tào Festival has two main parts: the ceremony and the festivities.
The ceremonial part: The main ritual is the erection of the ceremonial pole. In the Gầu Tào Festival, the ceremonial pole symbolizes a sacred tree connecting heaven and earth. The pole is planted on a wide, flat piece of land.
The top of the ceremonial pole always faces east – the direction of birth, symbolizing the wish for children, and also the direction of the sun, representing the hope for a bountiful harvest; the offerings for the ceremonial pole include chicken, wine, rice, and paper.
The master of ceremonies lights incense, burns votive paper money, then walks counter-clockwise three times around the ceremonial pole, then walks counter-clockwise three more times, singing the "Pure Vegetarian" song to inform the spirits about the erection of the pole and the organization of the thanksgiving ceremony.
The ceremony is held with the hope that heaven and earth, and the spirits, will bless the village with peace and happiness, a bountiful harvest in the new year, favorable weather, and wish everyone and every family peace, good health, prosperity, thriving livestock, and successful crops.
The festival part: Young men and women, old and young, from the Hmong village join hands and dance in a circle to the rhythm of the Hmong flute. In Hmong culture, the sound of the flute represents spirituality and traditional beliefs; it is a sacred object in Hmong rituals and festivals.
At the Gầu Tào Festival, visitors can also enjoy unique cultural performances reflecting the distinct cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group; participate in activities such as playing the khene (a type of bamboo flute), throwing pao (a traditional ball), visiting food and cultural stalls, cheering on traditional sports , pounding sticky rice cakes... along with other unique cultural activities of the local people.
Source: https://baodaknong.vn/le-hoi-gau-tao-gin-giu-va-bao-ton-van-hoa-cua-nguoi-mong-o-hoa-binh-240008.html
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