“Nao pe chau” festival recognised as the national intangible cultural heritage

(Cinet) - Nao pe chau, a festival of the Mong ethnic group in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien, was recognised as part of the national intangible cultural heritage at a ceremony in Nam Pong village, Muong Dang commune, Muong Ang district, on December 16.

Photo. baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

After bringing their harvest home in December, the Mong put all work aside to celebrate the Nao pe chau festival with a line-up of cultural activities such as rice-cake pounding, khen dancing, pa pao pillow throwing, a folk ritual to chase off ghosts and monsters and ancestral worship, among others.
During the festival, families and villages gather together to show their gratitude to their ancestors and Gods for supporting them to have robust crops and peaceful life.
In addition to food and offerings, Mong people always prepare new clothes for the occasion as they believe that everything must be fresh for Nao pe chau. They also avoid anger and quarrel.
However, the festival has gradually changed due to cultural integration with few Mong people now able to perform traditional rituals.

Activities at the "Nao pe chau" festival. Photo. baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

At the award ceremony, Chairman of Dien Bien provincial People’s Committee Mua A Son urged local  administrations and mass organisations to join hand to preserve the traditional festival.