Festivals feature unique culture of ethnic people in Dak Lak

Dak Lak (VNA) – Several festivals were recently held during the ongoing seventh Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.

A new rice offering festival, a unique cultural activity of M’nong Gar ethnic people, was performed by artisans from Dak Phoi commune on March 12, demonstrating rituals to worship gods and rice, and for pray good health for the village patriarch.

It included activities like beating gongs and dancing to celebrate a new rice crop.

The festival has become indispensable in the spiritual life of M’nong ethnic people, as it prays for good weather, bumper crops, health and happiness.

 

From March 11-12, the provincial People’s Committee held the Buon Don elephant festival in Krong Na border commune, Buon Don district.

The most exciting parts of the event were the elephant race and elephant football matches.

Other activities such as makeup for elephants, elephants crossing the river, re-enacting scenes of hunting and taming wild elephants, a ceremony to pray for the health of elephants and gong performances also enthralled visitors.

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dak Lak is home to 47 ethnic groups living together, including minorities like Ede and M’nong, each with their own unique culture.-VNA