Distinctive Gau Tao spring festival of the Mong in northern Vietnam

Gầu Tào, which means mountain sight-seeing in the spring, is a community religious festival held by the Mong at the beginning of every Lunar New Year.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 2

This year, the festival takes place in Ta Leng commune, Tam Duong district, where the Mong people mainly live.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 3

The festival begins with a bamboo pole worship ritual to thank heaven and earth, and deities for their blessings, giving people health and peace, as well as praying for blessings and fortune in the new year.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 4

The main offerings are products made by local people such as pigs, chickens, sticky rice, among others.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 5

In addition to the worship ritual, the festival also includes many cultural and sports activities held in a spring festival atmosphere.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 6

Rice pounding, which is closely linked to local people’s farming, is an indispensable part of the festival.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 7

Rice winnowing is a farming practice that is very familiar to the Mong women.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 8

The most exciting part of the festival is the contest of making Bánh Giày (a white, flat, and round glutinous rice cake).

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 9

Glutinous rice is pounded by hand using wooden mortars, and young men are very eager to engage in the contest.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 10

Delicious rice cakes are made from sticky rice grown in the highlands.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 11

. Joining in the festival, Giang Pao My, secretary of the Lai Chau Provincial Party Committee, encourages local people to preserve their cultural identity.

distinctive gau tao spring festival of the mong in northern vietnam picture 12

The festival is an opportunity for the Mong people to strengthen solidarity and to build a more prosperous and happier community as well as the fatherland.