Lao women enjoy the Water Festival in Dien Bien - Photo: NAM TRAN
In mid-April, the sound of gongs and drums echoes throughout Na Sang 1 village, Nua Ngam commune, Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province, inviting Lao ethnic people from all over to celebrate Bun Huot Nam festival (also known as Water Splashing Festival).
Lao ethnic brothers from neighboring communes and districts in Dien Bien province, and Lao people living in Lai Chau province also gathered at Na Sang 1 early to share the joy of the biggest festival of the year.
The ceremony of praying and tying thread for good luck
Many folk games reenacting the settlement process, village establishment, and production and daily life of Lao people attract a large number of participants.
Mr. Nong Quang Thang - Vice Chairman of Dien Bien District People's Committee - said Bun Huot Nam is the traditional New Year of the Lao people, having important significance in the spiritual and cultural life of the community.
"The festival prays for favorable weather for a bountiful harvest, for all things to grow and develop, to wash away the bad luck of the old year, and to bring in a new year of good luck for members, families and the community," said Mr. Thang.
Coming to the festival, Lao people are creative and perform their own traditional folk games such as turtle hatching eggs, tiger attacking pigs, snake catching shoots, picking ripe melons, traditional dances, tying threads for luck, and going from house to house to ask for water for luck.
Lao people believe that water brings luck, so they often live near rivers and streams. On New Year's Day, everyone has to get wet for good luck. The wetter they get, the luckier they are.
Most notably, after the ceremony, all ethnic groups, regardless of Lao, Thai or Mong, joined in the joy of splashing water and immersing themselves in the cool stream to purify themselves.
According to the Lao people here, the wetter you get, the luckier you will be.
"Every year the festival is fun and crowded like this. The best part is dancing, beating drums, gongs and splashing water on each other. What we hope for most is a new year with favorable weather and everyone being healthy," said Pi Thi Pang (41 years old, Lao ethnic group in Na Sang 1).
Coming to the festival with her family, Ms. Lo Thi No (40 years old, Lao ethnic group) expressed her wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year. The Lao ethnic woman wishes most for her children and grandchildren today to preserve and continue the good culture of her people.
Everyone was excited to join in splashing water in the small stream. The children were the most excited and eager, having waited all year to finally be able to splash water.
Not only Lao people but also many Thai and Kinh people enthusiastically participated.
Lao women in colorful, beautiful costumes celebrate the water festival next to lush green rice fields.
The Water Splashing Festival (Bun Huot Nam) has been included in the national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This is one of a series of events aimed at welcoming the National Tourism Year - Dien Bien 2024 and towards the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory.
Source
Comment (0)