Praying for harvest ritual of the Tay ethnic group - an important ritual of Long Tong Festival

Long Tong Festival (The “going down to the fields” festival) is a long-standing traditional cultural activity of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups. It marks an auspicious beginning for a new agricultural year, praying for favorable weather, timely rain and gentle winds and seeking the blessings of the God of Agriculture – the deity believed to govern the fields – for abundant harvests, peaceful villages and prosperous lives. This year, the Festival continues to be organized with a full range of traditional rituals, combined with diverse cultural, sports and tourism experience activities, contributing to the preservation and promotion of cultural values of ATK region.

Rice transplanting contest is an indispensable activity in Long Tong Festival, demonstrating the dexterity and agility of women in farming

The ceremonial part is organized solemnly with activities: Offering incense in memory of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap; Long Tong Ceremony praying for favorable rain and wind; and Ceremony praying for the harvest, entrusting aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous new year and favorable production.

Within the framework of the Festival, many traditional folk games will take place

The festival part takes place vibrantly with many attractive activities such as: Then singing, Tinh musical instrument performance, art programs, campfire night; cross-country running tournament of the Youth Union; contests displaying products and achievements of hamlets; spring tea picking contest, pounding "day" cake (round sticky rice cake) along with many traditional folk games such as "con" ball throwing, tug of war, stick pushing, stilt walking, walking on a balance bridge, blindfolded goat catching... Besides, the Festival also organizes an ATK cultural heritage experience space with areas displaying tea culture, folk songs of ethnic groups, introducing tangible and intangible cultural heritage and a traditional culinary space.

The Festival is an occasion for local compatriots and children away from home to reunite, enjoy spring, strengthen the great unity block and promote the image of the ATK Phu Dinh homeland to tourists.