Surprised by the singing voice of an almost 80 year old woman at Phu Nha Thau festival

Pu Nha Thau Festival takes place from March 10-12 (ie January 23-25 ​​of the lunar calendar) in Huu Kiem commune (Ky Son) attracting thousands of visitors.

On the way up to the main space of the temple to worship the foster mother of General Doan Nhu Hai (aka Nha Thau), many visitors were delighted to see an old Thai woman singing and dancing. With one hand leaning on a cane, the other holding a microphone with her back completely bent, the old woman's strong, resonant singing voice made everyone sing along and dance in the joy of the highland festival.

That is Ms. Hoang Thi Hien, residing in Na Luong 2 village (Huu Kiem commune - Ky Son). Ms. Hien said that she is nearly 80 years old this year but is very passionate about the arts. At the age of 15, she joined the art troupe serving the resistance war against the US. She followed the troupe to all the highland villages of Nghe An province to sing to encourage soldiers and people to produce and fight the enemy.

Ms. Hoang Thi Hien is nearly 80 years old this year, but her singing voice still resonates. Photo: Dao Tho

Now, although she is old, every year when there is a festival or a cultural event of the commune or village, Mrs. Hien is always present. “For my mother, that is the joy of old age. Without singing, it would be very sad. It is just a pity that her health is not as good as before, so she cannot go out much,” Mrs. Hien shared.

Many of her relatives also said that although she is nearly 80 years old, Hoang Thi Hien is still very active. Every day she goes to the fields and streams to catch frogs and eels to eat.

Many people seemed to enjoy Mr. Hien's singing. Photo: Dao Tho

After the songs of this nearly 80-year-old woman, many festival attendees expressed their excitement and gave her money to encourage her and wish her good health so she can continue to sing.