Coming-of-age ceremony of Dao ethnic group

The Lai Chau Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Tam Duong district, recently organised a special exhibition on the cultural heritage of the Dao ethnic group, featuring rituals of “tu cai”, or “cap sac” (coming of age) ceremony.

A young man is tied with a cloth around his head by the shaman, preparing for the coming-of-age ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

The shaman feeds the man, officially recognizing him as an adult (Photo: VNA)

The shaman takes the man to the worship platform (Photo: VNA)

From the platform, the young man holds his knees with his hands and throws himself down to the arms of those waiting on the ground. (Photo: VNA)

“Tu cai” ceremony is one of the highlights of the first Putaleng festival of Tam Duong District in 2024, aimed at preserving and promoting the traditional cultural identity of Dao ethnic people in connection with the development of cultural tourism.

Dao ethnic people practice a ritual at the “tu cai” ceremony in Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province. (Photo: VNA)