In his address at the event, the State leader highlighted Vietnam’s rich ethnic diversity, where each group contributes unique cultural values. He stressed that fostering national unity has been a consistent and strategic priority of the Party and State, ensuring sustainable development as the nation's progresses.

This year’s festival brought together over 200 village elders, community leaders, intellectuals, and artisans from 28 ethnic groups. Among them were representatives of minority groups such as the Si La, Khang, Ha Nhi, and Cong from Lai Chau province, as well as the Lo Lo, Bo Y, Pa The, and La Chi from Ha Giang province. Also in attendance were ethnic communities residing in the village, including the Dao, Tay, Nung, Muong, Thai, and Lao.

In his speech, President Cuong stressed that Vietnam’s ethnic diversity is a defining feature of its cultural identity, with each group contributing unique values. He highlighted the enduring spirit of unity and mutual support among ethnic communities, which has been instrumental in the country’s past struggles for independence and continues to drive its development and progress today.

The President underscored that fostering national solidarity remains a strategic and consistent policy of the Party and State, ensuring sustainable growth as Vietnam advances toward prosperity. He called for the continued development and implementation of policies that protect ethnic minority rights and improve their living standards. He also underlined the importance of preserving cultural heritage and recognizing the contributions of artisans, village elders, and community leaders in safeguarding traditional values.

On this occasion, Cuong presented gifts to ethnic minority representatives, who in turn offered him cultural artifacts as tokens of appreciation.

Following the festival, he attended a tower-opening and incense-offering ceremony of the Cham people from Ninh Thuan province. Known as Peh Bi mbeng yang, this annual ritual includes offerings to deities, prayers for favorable weather, and requests for blessings on agricultural activities such as dam building and plowing.

The State leader also visited the Muong ethnic village within the cultural venue, where he participated in the Khai Ha (going down to the field) festival, a traditional ceremony marking the start of a new farming season. Rooted in Vietnam’s wet rice cultivation history, the festival honors deities and ancestors while praying for abundant harvests, prosperity, and happiness. In 2022, it was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Upholding great national unity bloc is key solution to bring nation into new era

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) should serve as the nucleus in protecting the Party's ideological foundation, actively combating erroneous and hostile viewpoints, while addressing the 10th National Congress of the VFF in Hanoi on October 17.

Some images from the festival: