Hà Nhì people celebrate traditional New Year Festival

ĐBP - The Hà Nhì people in Điện Biên, a northern mountainous province, have successfully preserved numerous traditional cultural values that showcase their unique identity. One such manifestation is the observance of Khù Sự Chà, their traditional New Year Festival, held in December.

Girls in traditional costumes perform during the Khù Sự Chà, the traditional New Year Festival in Tả Kố Khừ village, Sín Thầu commune, Mường Nhé district in the northern province of Điện Biên. Photos by Diệp Chi

As one of the 19 ethnic groups in the province, the Hà Nhì predominantly inhabit 21 villages across four bordering communes in Mường Nhé District, namely Sín Thầu, Chung Chải, Sen Thượng, and Leng Su Sìn.

The Hà Nhì's traditional New Year, known as Khù Sự Chà, typically spans three days in December. Similar to other ethnic communities' traditional festivals, it serves as a time for families to express gratitude to their ancestors. The occasion provides an opportunity for people to reunite, reflect on and share experiences from the past year, celebrate the arrival of spring, and extend wishes for a prosperous new year over glasses of wine.

According to Hà Nhì customs, on the morning of the first day of the new year, families prepare bánh trôi (sticky rice cakes) as an offering to their ancestors. This ritual symbolizes the transition from the old to the new year and acts as a symbolic meal for ancestors joining in the New Year celebrations.

Local residents and tourists participate in the folk dance during Khù Sự Chà Festival in Tả Kố Khừ village, Sín Thầu commune.

During the ceremony, the host molds three large, evenly round cakes, boils them, places them on a fresh banana leaf, sprinkles fragrant roasted sesame seeds, and then offers them on the ancestral altar.

Following the ritual, family members can enjoy the cakes before proceeding to slaughter a pig. The pork serves both as an offering in the ancestral worship ritual and as sustenance for the family during the Tết days.

Offering pork to the ancestors is a mandatory ritual for the Hà Nhì, symbolizing cleanliness and a desire for a fresh start. Before slaughtering the pig, the host pours water over its neck, symbolizing the washing away of misfortunes from the previous year, ushering in a new and better year.

Hà Nhì ethnic women make bánh giầy in preparation for the Khù Sự Chà Festival.

During the pig slaughtering ceremony, the Hà Nhì people have a tradition of examining the pig's liver to predict life in the new year. A healthy and vibrant liver indicates thriving livestock farming and brings luck to the family.

On the second day of Tết, families prepare bánh giầy (round glutinous rice cake) to offer as gifts to distant guests, showcasing the hospitality and warmth of the Hà Nhì people.

Festive visits continue on the second day, with households preparing various dishes and engaging in traditional activities such as singing folk songs and dancing. These elements contribute to a vibrant and joyful Tết atmosphere for the Hà Nhì people on the borderlands of their homeland.

By Diệp Chi
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Tightening administrative discipline and civil service ethics

    Tightening administrative discipline and civil service ethics

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Administrative discipline, civil service ethics, and public servant conduct are key elements in building a clean and efficient government. Recently, Mường Ảng district, Điện Biên province has implemented various measures to tighten discipline and improve the attitude, work practices, and professionalism of civil servants, which has contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of state management, improving service to the public, and driving local economic and social development.
  • 'Over 1,000 students participate in Children’s Olympic Day 2025

    Over 1,000 students participate in Children’s Olympic Day 2025

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - On the afternoon of May 26, at the Victory Monument of Điện Biên Phủ, the Điện Biên provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Vietnam Olympic Committee, organized the Children’s Olympic Day 2025 program. The program was attended by Trần Văn Mạnh, General Secretary of the Vietnam Olympic Committee.
  • 'Shining with youthful spirit

    Shining with youthful spirit

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On the solemn occasion of the 135th anniversary of the birth of President Hồ Chí Minh, youths of Điện Biên provincewere filled with joy as four exemplary individuals from the province were honored at the 8th National Congress of Outstanding Youths Following President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings. These individuals are shining examples not only because of their outstanding achievements but also because of their pioneering spirit, enthusiasm, and silent dedication, ready to contribute their youthful energy to building the homeland and the country with their hearts and aspirations.
  • 'Điện Biên Phủ city embraces cultural identity to foster sustainable urban tourism

    Điện Biên Phủ city embraces cultural identity to foster sustainable urban tourism

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - As a pivotal center for the economic, cultural, and social development of Điện Biên province, Điện Biên Phủ city is home to a rich trove of historical significance, traditional cultural heritage, and distinctive natural landscapes. These assets provide a strong foundation for the city to evolve into a regional hub for cultural, historical, and eco-tourism in Northwestern region of Vietnam. Amidst rapid urbanization, the city has chosen to preserve its unique identity as a path to sustainable tourism development.
  • 'Điện Biên: Driving license exam conducted seriously and transparently

    Điện Biên: Driving license exam conducted seriously and transparently

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Since the transfer of state management duties over driving license examinations and issuance to the Ministry of Public Security, on May 25, the Traffic Police Division of the Điện Biên provincial Police Department and related units organized the first examination for the A1 motorcycle driving license in the province. The exam was assessed to be conducted seriously, marking a clear shift in management, testing, and licensing at the local level.
  • 'Focusing on dissemination ahead of Party congresses at all levels

    Focusing on dissemination ahead of Party congresses at all levels

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In preparation for the Party congresses at all levels for the 2025 - 2030 term, leading up to the 15th Điện Biên provincial Party Congress and the 14th National Party Congress, the Farmers’ Association of Điện Biên Phủ city has implemented a wide range of practical and comprehensive dissemination activities to raise awareness among all members. This aims to create unity in understanding and action, as well as foster a spirited emulation movement to welcome the congresses.
  • 'Elder Party members set bright examples

    Elder Party members set bright examples

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Keeping unwavering faith in the Party, many elderly party members in the province continue to exemplify responsibility and leadership. Regardless of their roles, they actively participate in the “Elderly - Bright Example” movement, contributing to building a prosperous and civilized homeland, and strengthening the relationship between the Party and the people.
  • 'Tuần Giáo achieves “double-win” in building new-style rural areas

    Tuần Giáo achieves “double-win” in building new-style rural areas

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Implementing the New-style Rural Area Building program with the determination of local authorities and residents, Tuần Giáo district, Điện Biên province has effectively begun restructuring its agricultural sector and developing specialized coffee and macadamia cultivation areas. Local rural villages and hamlets have taken on a new appearance.
  • 'Joining hands to protect the green living environment

    Joining hands to protect the green living environment

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In the context of increasing climate change and environmental pollution, protecting a green living environment is no longer the responsibility of any one individual or organization but a collective mission for society as a whole. Recently, many agencies, units, and organizations have launched specific, practical activities to promote a green lifestyle and raise awareness about environmental protection.
  • 'Focusing on improving low scoring indicators

    Focusing on improving low scoring indicators

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - According to the recent results announced by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) 2024 score of Điện Biên province does not rank in the top 30 provinces and cities nationwide.
  • 'Emulation drive launched towards Party congresses

    Emulation drive launched towards Party congresses

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In a meaningful effort to celebrate the upcoming Party congresses at all levels for the 2025- 2030 term, the Điện Biên provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched an emulation movement among its entire workforce, including officials, civil servants, and employees. The campaign aims to foster a vibrant atmosphere of competition and engagement, encouraging staff to achieve the set goals and tasks.
  • 'Điện Biên develops advantageous fruit crops

    Điện Biên develops advantageous fruit crops

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - With the focus on land consolidation, applying scientific technology, and transforming the crop structure, especially the development of advantageous fruit trees, Điện Biên province is gradually shifting from scattered fruit production to concentrated large-scale regions, forming a sustainable and safe production area of advantageous fruits and specialties.