Opening Ceremony of Muong Ham Festival 2011
(Baonghean)On February 7, 2011 (the 5th day of the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit), people of various ethnic groups in Chau Cuong commune and neighboring localities in Quy Hop district (Nghe An province) enthusiastically celebrated the 6th Muong Ham Festival in 2011.
Prepare the New Year's pole in the festival courtyard (morning of the 5th day of Tet).
This is a traditional cultural festival of the people of Muong Ham, restored and held annually during the first days of the new year at Pun Pang-Nang Ni cave in Chau Cuong commune. The festival originates from an ancient legend: Tao Khun Pang, who founded a large village (including present-day Que Phong, Quy Chau, and Quy Hop). In the peaceful land of Muong Ham, one spring, Tao and his entourage rode elephants and horses to enjoy the spring scenery and visit the people of the village. Upon arriving, seeing the beautiful scenery with the magnificent caves in the limestone mountains and the legendary love story between Nang Ni and Khun Tinh, Tao and his entourage stopped and explored the cave. From then on, to commemorate Tao's visit, every year during the spring and Tet holiday, on the 4th, 5th, and 6th days of Tet, the people of Muong Ham hold a cave festival with traditional cultural, artistic, and sporting activities.
Excitement builds during the Pựn Pang cave festival.
This year's Muong Ham Festival features the participation of 11 villages and hamlets from Chau Cuong commune. The ceremonial part, conducted according to spiritual rituals including the procession of Tao Noi, the opening ceremony, and the prayer for peace, was solemnly held at the Muong Ham Temple (in front of Pun Pang cave); the festive part included cultural and artistic activities such as competitions in traditional sports like crossbow shooting, stick pushing, men's volleyball, stilt walking, folk art performances, a Lai Pao Thai script writing competition, a beauty contest showcasing the Muong land, a culinary culture competition, and a traditional camp...
Le Ba Lieu
