Het Cha Festival - Traditional cultural beauty of the White Thai people on Moc Chau plateau

The Het Cha Festival of the White Thai people in Moc Chau was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016. The humanistic values ​​and unique cultural beauty of the ancient Thai people are still fully preserved in the festival.

Coming to the festival, besides the traditional rituals, there are also many attractive activities for tourists and locals to immerse themselves in and experience. This year's festival was held right on the weekend, so many tourists witnessed it with their own eyes and felt extremely excited to participate. According to folk beliefs, the festival is held to thank the shaman - who cured illnesses and helped the villagers overcome difficulties in life. This is also an opportunity for people to express their gratitude to heaven, earth, gods, and ancestors for blessing them with a prosperous and happy life.

Mr. Tran Xuan Viet - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism of Son La province: Het Cha Festival is one of the national intangible cultural heritages, bearing the spiritual imprint and long-standing traditions of the White Thai people. Through the festival, people are more proud of their ethnic culture and also to attract tourists, promote tourism development in Moc Chau town, ...

The most important highlight of the Het Cha Festival is the Ceremony with rituals imbued with the beliefs of the White Thai people. The shamans will perform a ceremony to report to the gods about the organization of the festival and pray for blessings for the community and the village. After the shaman's prayer, the offering ceremony is carried out, the offerings include rice, fish, rice wine, local products, showing respect and deep gratitude to the gods. This is also the moment when the villagers believe that their prayers will be witnessed by the gods, blessing their lives.

Mr. Vi Van Phinh - Het Cha Festival Artisan, Dong Sang Ward, Moc Chau, Son La: Not only does the festival have spiritual significance, it is also an opportunity for the White Thai people to unite the community, share joy and hope for the future. No matter how far away they are, every March, they return to gather and attend the festival, as a way to affirm their indelible cultural identity.

If the Ceremony part has a sacred color, the Festival part takes place with exciting activities simulating the simple daily life of the Thai ethnic people in the process of building villages, building Muong, and building a new life. Witty and funny folk performances with many humanistic meanings are recreated such as: The story of training buffaloes to plow the fields, picking wild vegetables, catching fish, hunting... Besides, there are graceful, rhythmic, charming xoe dances combined with the sound of drums, gongs and the bustling tang bu music, leaving many impressions on visitors.

Nhat Anh - Tourist from Hanoi: This is the first time I have participated in the activities of the Het Cha Festival of the White Thai people, I am really impressed with the unique culture of the ethnic people here. Immersing myself in the festival atmosphere, participating in cultural activities, enjoying traditional dishes and feeling the warmth and sincerity of the people here.

The Het Cha Festival also features many unique and attractive cultural activities among the people of the villages in Dong Sang ward such as: Fire-making competition to boil chicken, ethnic cuisine display, cultural experience of Thai ethnic space,... After all, the Festival ends with a solidarity dance, the villagers and tourists from all over the country holding hands in the traditional dance. The Het Cha Festival in 2025 not only leaves many good impressions in the hearts of the people and tourists but is also an opportunity to honor and introduce tourists to the cultural values ​​of national intangible cultural heritage; promote and introduce the land and people of Moc Chau, friendly and hospitable./.

Reported by: Anh Duc (Moc Chau Cultural and Information Center)

Source: https://sonlatv.vn/le-hoi-het-cha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cua-nguoi-thai-trang-tren-cao-nguyen-moc-chau-26984.html