‘Young rice festival’ of Thai people takes place in Lai Chau provine

The Thai ethnic community in Vietnam has many mysterious and intriguing rituals. Thai people in Muong So commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau provine are renowned for the ‘Kin lau khau mau’ festival, which is also known as the ‘Young rice festival’.

The festival is held annually to pray for favourable weather and bumper crops.

This is an occasion to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, a chance for boys and girls to compete and learn about each other as well as for people’s relaxation.

An indispensable part of the festival is to choose rice to make green rice flakes.

In addition, a lot of interesting folk games of Thai people will be held. This is also an opportunity to invite visitors to taste Thai dishes such as rock moss, grilled stream fish and sticky rice.

The event is usually held on the full moon in the ninth lunar month (this year on October 19) of the Thai people.

The festival has folk games like nem con (a con, a colourful fabric ball, is thrown through a ring hung on a 15-20 m high bamboo pole) and tug of war.

Visitors are invited to eat green rice flakes and other traditional Thai dishes such as grilled stream fish and sticky rice.

Despite being scattered across the country, Thai people in Vietnam still share a lot of traditions and customs. Through reenactments of these festivals, Thai people have proven their determination to preserve traditional values amid modern life.