Preserving unique cultural values of Bana and H're ethnic groups in Binh Dinh

There are 27 ethnic minority groups in the central province of Binh Dinh, of which Cham, Bana and H’re ethnic groups account for a large number  with 9,300 households and 35,700 long-term residents. For a long time, gongs were considered the most powerful means of expressing the values, identities, cultures, beliefs and lives of ethnic minorities.

Under the sunlight at the beginning of the summer, Bana and Hre ethnic people in An Lao district went to the district People’s Committee office to receive gongs. These were the last 40 villages in the province have gongs delivered. On the stage, villagers tried out playing the gongs.

Head of village 3 Dinh Van Rop from H’re ethnic group, An Trung commune, An Lao district, said that he was very happy to receive the gongs. He added that he could continue to teach gongs and traditional dances for festivals of H’re ethnic group.

For the Bana and H're, gongs are the symbol of holiness, nobility and the most valuable asset in spiritual life. Each rhythm of gongs is inextricably linked with the fate of every one, from the time of the birth cry to adulthood, through festivals to the wedding.

Not only a type of performance, gongs also contribute many practical benefits to the lives of local people. According to Chairman of An Lao district People's Committee Pham Van Nam, through cultural festivals and gong activities, cultural values with the unique identity of each ethnic group are preserved. Improved spiritual life will help people stabilize their lives and work together to build the homeland and develop the economy. Therefore, An Lao district People's Committee will build regulations and management teams so that the gong set could be used for a long time./.