Tan Hung commune hosts bustling new rice festival

On December 19th, in Tan Hung commune, the New Rice Festival and Gong Culture Exchange of the S'tieng ethnic group took place in a joyful and warm atmosphere.

Residents of hamlets in Tan Hung commune participate in a rice pounding competition. Photo: Truong Hien

This time is not only an occasion to express gratitude to nature after a bountiful harvest, but also an important cultural event that unites the community, where people meet, exchange production experiences, and continue to preserve the traditional values passed down through generations.

From early afternoon, the lively sounds of the rice pounding competition enlivened the festival atmosphere, marking the beginning of a grand celebration for the S'tieng people. Teams from many hamlets competed, recreating familiar labor activities associated with their daily lives.

Thi Muong from Bu Dinh hamlet, Tan Hung commune, shared: “Pounding rice is a familiar task for the S’tieng people. Now that we have the opportunity to participate in the competition and celebrate together with the whole hamlet, everyone is excited. The New Rice Festival is the happiest day of the year.”

Continuing the vibrant atmosphere, the cultural performances, gong performances, and traditional costume displays added richness to the program. Dances depicting labor, folk songs, and the brocade weaving performances by young artisans not only breathed new life into the festival but also showcased the unique cultural beauty of the S'tieng people. The participation of young people in many performances demonstrated the strong continuity of cultural identity within the community.

Delegates attend the program. Photo: Truong Hien

The highlight of the program is the reenactment of traditional rituals from the S’tieng people’s New Rice Festival, where the spirit of gratitude to heaven and earth, the bond with the rice grain, and the sense of community are most vividly expressed. This endeavor is not only an activity that revives ancient customs, but also a way for the S’tieng people to place their hopes in the new harvest season and remind one another to preserve the values that have sustained their villages for generations.

As the rituals unfold, the festival space becomes a point of intersection between past and present, allowing each person to have a deeper connection with the cultural roots of their nation.

Cultural performances at the event. Photo: Truong Hien

Speaking at the event, Party Secretary and Chairman of the People's Council of Tan Hung commune, Mac Dinh Huan, affirmed that the New Rice Festival, accompanied by gongs and drums, is a cultural symbol that the community has preserved through many generations. It is not only a ritual to pray for abundant harvests and favorable weather, but also an occasion for the community to strengthen solidarity, share production experiences, and promote traditional cultural values. He also emphasized the continued promotion of S’tieng cultural values, viewing them as a vital foundation for building grassroots cultural life and enhancing the image of Tan Hung.

Party Secretary and Chairman of the People's Council of Tan Hung commune, Mac Dinh Huan, speaks at the program. Photo: Truong Hien.

The organizing committee presented awards for the rice pounding competition, recognizing the active participation of the hamlets. Local leaders extended their sincere gratitude to the artisans, performers, organizations, and residents who contributed to the festival's success. They also expressed hope that the sound of gongs and drums will continue to resonate in everyday life, serving as a spiritual anchor and a treasured asset of the S’tieng community.

Awards are presented to the teams at the rice pounding competition. Photo: Truong Hien

The final part of the festival featured vibrant gong performances, traditional singing and dancing, and the enjoyment of local cuisine, drawing large crowds of residents and tourists.

Bonfire and gong performance at the festival. Photo: Truong Hien

Although the festival has ended, the echoes of the gongs, the rhythmic beats, and the spirit of solidarity continue to resonate in the hearts of the people. With support from local authorities and the joint efforts of the community, the New Rice Festival and Gong Culture Exchange in Tan Hung commune continue to affirm its vital role in local cultural life, contributing to the preservation and promotion of ethnic identity and the building of a more prosperous and thriving community.

By Thanh Thao, Truong Hien – Translated by Quoc Dung, Minho