Preserving and conserving the culture of the Mong people in Hoa Binh

A shaman prays for peace, health and good crops for people at the Gau Tao Festival. (Photo: Trong Dat/VNA)

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 Mai Chau District People's Committee, Hoang Duc Minh, emphasized the annual organization of Gau Tao Festival, clearly affirming the special attention of all levels and sectors in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Mong people in Hoa Binh.

This is also an opportunity for Mai Chau district to promote and introduce 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.

Ceremony: The main ceremony is the pole-raising ceremony. The pole in the Gau Tao Festival symbolizes the sacred tree connecting heaven and earth. The pole is planted on a large, flat piece of land.

The top of the pole always faces the East - the direction of birth with the wish to have children, also the direction of the Sun with the wish for a bountiful harvest. The pole worship ceremony has offerings of chicken, wine, rice, and paper.

The celebrant lights incense, burns votive paper money, then walks counterclockwise 3 times around the pole, then walks counterclockwise 3 times more, sings the Tinh Chay song, sets a date, and informs the gods about raising the pole and organizing 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 Hmong flute dance is an indispensable traditional cultural performance for the Hmong people. (Photo: Trong Dat/VNA)

Festival: The young men and women, the elderly and children of the Mong people hold hands and dance in circles to the rhythm of the Khen. In Mong culture, the Khen represents spirituality and traditional beliefs, and is a sacred object in Mong 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