Co Ho ethnic minority people are one of the local groups who have lived for a long time in the area and are concentrated in the provinces of Lam Dong, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City.
During the year, the Co Ho people have two important worshiping ceremonies, the rice god worshiping ceremony (Loh Yang ro) and the buffalo stabbing festival (Nhoxarpu). The festival of worshiping the rice god is a big festival, taking place in free time and usually held for 3-7 days in a celebratory and joyful atmosphere. To celebrate the event, people offer animals and traditional alcohol, together with celebrating folk culture and art.
As their life is closely linked to agriculture, during festivals, Co Ho people often build a bamboo tree to invite God to attend, witness and have fun with the village.
After harvesting the crop, the Co Ho people organize an offering to God, thanking the rice God for a bountiful harvest and a happy and prosperous life. They also ask the God of rice to bless a new crop in the next year that is better than the previous year.
Offerings used in the new rice festival
The head of the village blows the horn three times and respectfully prays to the God for the villagers to hold the festival.
Rituals practiced
The folklore, which is lyrical and musical, is vividly introduced in the ancient festival.
The folklore, which is lyrical and musical, is vividly introduced in the ancient festival.
Tourists invited to drink alcohol and wear copper bracelet
The new rice celebration is a folk activity that reflects the beauty of traditional culture and the simple dreams of the Co Ho people.