Bustling new rice festival of Thai village in Western Nghe An

On June 3 (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month), the Thai ethnic people in Bong village, Thanh Son commune, Anh Son (Nghe An) held a new rice festival. This is a traditional cultural activity held annually to honor the rice grains that heaven and earth bestowed on the village and to thank the gods. According to the beliefs of the people here, Po Pha is the ruler of heaven and earth, blessing favorable weather and bountiful crops. Therefore, after harvesting the crops, families and clans hold a new rice festival to express their respect and gratitude to Po Pha, the gods and ancestors. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

The new rice festival is held by the Bong villagers at the temple at the beginning of the village. Here, 6 Thai clans residing in the village (including the Vi, Luong, Lo, Ha, Ngan and Lu clans) take turns offering offerings to Po Pha and the gods to give thanks and pray for favorable weather, good crops, and good health for everyone... Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Offerings from the clans include sticky rice, cakes, rice, meat, fish harvested and raised by the families in the clan, and fruits available in the garden. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

On behalf of the villagers and clans, the shaman expressed gratitude to Po Pha and the gods and prayed for good things in life. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Villagers took turns offering incense, thanking and praying. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

The ceremony ends, the sound of gongs and drums resounds, signaling the beginning of the festival... The new rice festival not only has sacrificial rituals but also shows the harmony between humans and all things, between humans and humans. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

The sound of carving the furrows resounded loudly. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Enjoying the bamboo dance. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

And have fun together with a jar of rice wine, and get drunk together with the Lam Vong melody... Photo: Dinh Tuyen