Then Kin Pang, the largest water-splashing festival in Vietnam, is held annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month in Khong Lao commune, Phong Tho district, the home of the white Thai ethnic minority in Lai Chau province. Thai people believe this is the most harmonious time of heaven and earth, when the weather is most favourable for agriculture activities, particularly rice cultivation.

Dieu Van Thuyen, an Emeritus Folk Artisan in Phong Tho, says “Then” in the Thai language means God of Heaven, who protects and blesses humans. The white Thai performs Then worship rituals to pray for health, wealth, and peace. A ceremony is held at the Then shrine by the most senior and respected villagers.

“It’s an old ritual during which shamans express gratitude to Heaven and Earth for blessing the villagers with a prosperous and happy year. The reenactment of the festival helps people better understand the rich and diverse culture of the Thai, which needs to be preserved,” says Thuyen.

The festival features various worship rituals, traditional dances, traditional songs, and community games. The offerings for the Then worship include liquor, pork, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, fruit, and other local products. These offerings express gratitude to the deities and respect for nature’s blessings.

According to Mai Thi Hong Sim, vice chairwoman of the Phong Tho district People’s Committee, visitors admire both the local natural beauty and the distinctive culture of the local ethnic groups.

“One of the most unusual activities of the festival is water splashing, which carries wishes for good fortune, health, and peace for both locals and visitors. This year, more people came enjoy the festival as well as the friendly, hospitable atmosphere of Phong Tho district,” says Sim.

Besides its spiritual significance, Then Kin Pang is a time for the white Thai to join in traditional games like top spinning, tug of war, bamboo pole dancing, Xoe dancing, and a variety of water activities.

“People from many localities gather here to enjoy the festive atmosphere. What impresses me most is that both locals and tourists come to the Then shrine to pray for health, peace, and a prosperous year. We watch rituals like hair-washing and fishing in a stream and play folk games, all of which is unforgettable,” notes Tran Van Kiem, a tourist from Hanoi.

The Then Kin Pang Festival unites the community and helps to preserve the cultural values of the Thai people. It is part of the cultural treasure of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.

The traditional Tet cake of the Thai ethnic people

VOV.VN - Just like other ethnic groups in Vietnam, making bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) has always been an important tradition for the Thai during the Lunar New Year holiday (Tet).