The Thuong Temple festival attract a line-up of visitors. (Photo: VNA)
Lao Cai (VNA) – The northern mountainous province of Lao Cai isbuzzing with several spring festivals to pray for a prosperous year.
The Tay ethnic people in Bac Ha district hold land and water processions on the15th day of the first lunar month every year to wish for goodweather, bumper crops, good health and happiness.
From early morning, a procession including a wizard, drums and gong groups andlocal farmers climb Pan Pho Mountain to urge land and water souls to attend thefestival.
The fire dancing ceremony or Put Tong festival of the Red Dao ethnic people isa highlight of spring festivals in the mountainous province. It is an ancientcustom in which supernatural power is believed to strengthen the dancers, helpingthem dance on burning coals in their bare feet.
The ceremony is held from the first day to the 15th day of the firstlunar month to celebrate harvest, please God, bring prosperity and wipe awayevils and illness.
Meanwhile, Gau Tao, the biggest festival of the Mong ethnic people, is held atthe outset of the year to pray for good weather, harvest and health. Khen (panpipe)dancing, pillar climbing, top spinning and stick pushing are among activities ofthe festival.
Other festivals like Thuong Temple festival and Co Tan An Temple festival also attractvisitors to the locality.-VNA
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A kaleidoscope of activities that honour the cultural values of the Central Highlands are being held during the first culture, sports and tourism festival for ethnic groups in the region that opened in Kon Tum province on November 29.
The Thuong Temple festival attract a line-up of visitors. (Photo: VNA) 
