The Jrai people give thanks to the forest god for blessing them with favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.

The Jrai people's forest worship ceremony is an important traditional ritual, reflecting the long-standing beliefs of the Central Highlands people and their awareness of forest protection.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the forest worship ceremony also demonstrates reverence for the forest spirits and contributes to educating the younger generation about their responsibility to protect nature.

Traditionally, every March, the authorities and people of Ia Pếch commune, Ia Grai district ( Gia Lai province ) hold a forest worship ceremony to thank the forest spirits for protecting the villagers, blessing them with favorable weather, and ensuring bountiful harvests.

This year's ceremony was held at Ia Co stream, Ograng village, with the participation of local Party committees, authorities, forest rangers, commune police, and a large number of local people.

Before the ceremony, young men from the village, along with forest protection and management forces, went into the forest area to clear the undergrowth and select the cleanest water source for the ritual.

The offerings were meticulously prepared by the villagers and all were placed respectfully in the sacred corner of the forest designated by the village elder.

In the sacred forest, village elder Siu Dơih (born in 1947) - the chief officiant of the ceremony - along with his successor, solemnly recited prayers in the Jrai language.

After the prayers, the village elder poured wine from the earthenware jar to offer to the spirits, sharing the offerings with everyone. The villagers then enjoyed the wine and grilled meat together right in the sacred forest, in a solemn and warm atmosphere.

The forest worship ceremony not only reflects the beliefs of the Jrai people but also serves as an effective way to raise awareness about forest protection.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Ia Grai District Forest Management Unit, said that the natural forest area assigned to the communities of Ograng and De Chi villages in Ia Pech commune for management covers an area of 568 hectares.

After the forest festival, the people stopped cutting down trees and hunting wild animals, and instead actively participated in forest protection contracts and harvesting bamboo shoots and honey to improve their lives.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Ia Pếch commune, Ngô Khôn Tuấn, emphasized: The forest worship ceremony is an indispensable part of the spiritual and cultural life of the Jrai people.

This is not only an opportunity to perform rituals to the supernatural but also to demonstrate the people's commitment to the forest and nature. The people have shown good awareness and actively participated with the local government in protecting the forest.

Local authorities consistently encourage people to preserve this traditional beauty and to do a good job of protecting the forest.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dai (born in 1990, residing in Pleiku city) shared that he was introduced to the Jrai people's forest worship ceremony by friends and was eager to participate.

The majestic ancient forest, the sacred rituals, and the harmonious and united atmosphere among the people – this is a unique cultural aspect that needs to be preserved.

The Jrai people's forest worship ceremony is not only a spiritual ritual but also a testament to their indigenous knowledge in forest protection.

For generations, the Jrai people have had strict regulations such as not encroaching on sacred forests, and not hunting or exploiting resources in sacred areas.

This is how the Jrai people preserve their forests, considering them an inseparable part of their lives.

Local authorities and residents hope that the forest worship ceremony will continue to be maintained, not only to preserve traditional culture but also to safeguard valuable resources for future generations.