More than a cultural event, the festival also opens up a sustainable pathway for preserving cultural identity and developing community-based tourism in this mountainous region.
The new rice festival is held solemnly beside the rong house, with the participation of village elders, artisans, and local residents.
Guided by the belief that all things possess a spirit, the Gie Trieng regard rice as the centre of their spiritual life. The new rice celebration usually takes place after the harvest, expressing gratitude to the deities and praying for abundant crops.
The ritual begins with the procession of sacred rice back to the village, accompanied by the resounding echoes of gongs.
The village elder presides over offerings to the rice deity, mountain spirits, and river and stream spirits. A bamboo pole and the Gie Trieng’s spiritual animal are erected as symbols linking humans with heaven and earth.
After the ceremonial rites, the festive atmosphere comes alive with communal activities, traditional feasts, rice wine, xoang dances, and folk games.
According to respected village figures, the revival of the festival rekindles cultural pride and helps younger generations understand and carry forward ancestral traditions.
In the rhythm of modern life, the new rice festival in Dak Rang is becoming an anchor for the community to preserve its cultural essence while gradually building sustainable livelihoods.
