The resounding sound of gongs and drums

This is the spiritual bridge between humans and the gods, the voice of heaven and earth, the soul of the community. Through generations, that sound has remained vibrant and resonant, like an ever-flowing stream.

In rituals and festivals, gongs play a central role, acting as a "bond" that connects people. The sound of gongs, whether during celebrations, the new rice harvest festival, the housewarming ceremony, or even funeral rites, carries sacred and solemn meaning.

To achieve those resonant sounds, the artisans and gong players must learn, practice, and pass down their skills through generations. They not only learn how to strike the gongs, but also how to feel them, so that each sound carries emotion and a story.

The youth gong ensemble of Tan An ward performed gong music at the Buon Ma Thuot Market Fair.

The sound of gongs and drums is not only heard during major festivals, but it is also an indispensable part of daily life, resonating in events and breathing life in the villages. Each gong strike is a prayer, a self-narrative, a song telling legends, stories of labor, and tales of love. It is a delicate blend of music , dance, and rituals, creating a harmonious symphony full of color and emotion.

In the villages, the teaching of gong playing happens very naturally. The elders pass it on to the young, fathers to sons, and brothers to sisters. The sound of gongs is not only a cultural heritage but also a bridge between generations, a way for traditional values to be preserved and spread.

Mr. Y Nenh Mlo, a gong-playing artisan who teaches the younger generation in Alia village, Buon Ho ward, shared: "The sound of gongs has been with me since I was a child. My father and grandfather taught me how to play, how to feel each note. This is not just music, but also the soul of the village, the tradition passed down from our ancestors. For many years, I have continued to pass on this knowledge to the younger generations in the village so that the sound of the Ede people's gongs will not only be an echo of the past, but will live on through time, continuing to tell stories about a rich and vibrant culture."

The Tring village gong team (Buon Ho ward) performs the gong-playing ritual during the village's water source worship ceremony.

The sound of gongs and drums in Dak Lak today is not only the sound of the past, but also the heartbeat of the present and a promise for the future. It is a vivid testament to a preserved cultural identity, a cherished heritage, destined to forever resonate with the land and sky.

In the context of integration and development, gong culture is facing many challenges. Modern lifestyles, the decline of traditional festivals, and the shortage of passionate young people are difficult problems. However, there are still many commendable efforts. National and local gong festivals are held regularly, and gong-playing classes are being opened in many villages, rekindling love for this cultural heritage.

Many schools have also incorporated gong playing into their extracurricular programs. Gong classes for children of ethnic minorities are regularly held. Elderly artisans, with all their love and dedication, have passed on to the younger generation the secrets to ensuring that the sound of the gongs continues to resonate.

The artisans and gong ensemble prepare to perform the opening ceremony in the National Unity Day program of Buon Ho ward.

Born and raised in the Kmrơng Prong A village (Tan An ward), Y Bây Kbuôr has had a passion for traditional musical instruments since childhood, especially the rich, resonant sounds of gongs. From the age of 10, Y Bây began learning from the village's artisans, observing their performances and then tapping the gongs on the floor. Later, he participated in training courses on teaching gong playing skills and gradually became an artisan teaching gong playing to young people. Under his guidance, more and more children from within and outside Kmrơng Prong A village have become proficient in playing gongs and confidently performing difficult techniques. Furthermore, he has connected many tourist groups to the area to experience the culture of the Êđê ethnic community, and has even taken the young gong ensemble to perform at events and festivals in many provinces and cities across the country. "For me, gongs are not just culture, but also a source of pride," Y Bây confided.

Today, the sound of gongs and drums is no longer confined to villages but has transcended borders, becoming a part of Vietnamese culture widely shared with international friends. However, wherever it is played, the sound of gongs and drums still carries the spirit of the mountains and forests, of the genuine and simple people of the Central Highlands.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202512/am-vang-cong-chieng-c540e30/