| Description |
In the Nung language, “Phai Lua” means rafting. The Phài Lừa Bamboo Raft Racing Festival is held every 3 years on the 4th day of the 4th lunar month of the leap year, associated with the Snake worship of the residents of the Bac Giang riverside (also known as the Van Mich river). The worship originates from the legend of the Snake who eliminates dangers to protect the peaceful life of the people, praying for good rice and bountiful harvests.
From the morning of the 4th day of the 4th lunar month, the ritual part takes place with the Snake God worship ceremony at Ong and Ba communal houses. Each village prepares a tray of offerings including chicken, sticky rice, wine, fruits, candy, etc. Master Pu Mo performs the worship ceremony, inviting the Snake God to attend the festival, to visit his adoptive parents and the villagers. Next is the procession of the Snake God's palanquin, departing from Ong communal house to Tho Cong temple to present himself and ask for Tho Cong's permission. On the palanquin is a wooden statue of the Snake God. Leading the procession are the lion teams, followed by the flag-carrying group, the Snake God palanquin, representatives of the three families Vy, Do, Nong, the people in the commune and tourists attending the festival. Drums, gongs, and cymbals beat in rhythm with the procession.
After the ritual of worshiping and carrying the Snake God palanquin, the festival includes activities such as swimming, diving to catch duck feet, raft racing, singing Sli melodies, and gliding... Raft rowing (Phai Lua) is a custom to commemorate the Snake God who went down to the river to kill Thuong Luong, avenge his younger brother, and bring a peaceful life to the villagers.
The festival has a strong educational character, guiding people towards goodness; it is an opportunity for people to meet, have fun, experience, exchange and share experiences, unite, and help each other in life. In 2018, the Phài Lừa Bamboo Raft Racing Festival in Hong Phong commune was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. |
