Preserving the soul of the riverside, preserving the Ede identity.

On March 31st, at Buon Dung village, the People's Committee of Tay Ninh Hoa commune organized the 2026 Ede ethnic group's water-worshiping festival, aiming to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic minorities in the area.

The ritual involves leading the villagers to the water's edge at the edge of the village to offer sacrifices.

The ceremony begins with the water-worship ritual – a deeply rooted cultural tradition of the Ede people. To the resounding sound of gongs and drums, the procession, including village elders, shamans, gong and drum ensembles, honor guards, and villagers, carries offerings from the village's community center to the water-worship area of ​​Bong Stream in Buon Dung village. Here, the shaman performs traditional rituals, invoking the spirit of Yang Dak and other deities to witness the ceremony, expressing gratitude for the abundant water supply that sustains the village; and praying for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, peace in the village, and a prosperous and happy life for the people.

Following the ceremony, the villagers perform the ritual of fetching the first water of the year at the water source. The water is collected in dried gourds and carried back to the village, symbolizing bringing life and good fortune to each family. In addition, lively cultural and artistic activities and the enjoyment of traditional cuisine take place, contributing to a joyful atmosphere and fostering community cohesion.

In this sacred space, traditional rituals are fully performed, combined with performances of characteristic dances of the Ede people, contributing to the recreation of the unique cultural life of the community.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Ninh Hoa commune, said: “The Water Worship Festival is a sacred traditional ritual, expressing gratitude to the deities and the water source; it is also an opportunity for the community to unite, preserve, and promote the cultural identity of the Ede people. I hope that the Ede people will continue to promote the spirit of solidarity, preserve good customs and traditions, actively participate in community cultural activities, boost labor and production, and build an increasingly prosperous and happy life. Through this, they will contribute to the socio -economic development of the locality and build a more prosperous, beautiful, and civilized homeland.”

Below are some images from the water-worshiping ceremony, taken by reporters from Khanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio & Television. Recorded:

The ritual involves leading the villagers to the water's edge at the edge of the village to offer sacrifices.

Village gate worship ceremony.

A large number of people participated in the water-worshiping ceremony at Bong Stream, Buon Dung village.

The Ede girls fetch water.

Ede girls perform their traditional ethnic dance.

Drinking rice wine at the water-worshiping festival.

A ritual to ward off evil spirits and protect the water source.

Officials and residents of Tay Ninh Hoa commune interacted with the Ede people at the water-worshiping festival.

Officials and residents of Tay Ninh Hoa commune participate in the water-worshiping festival with the Ede people.

Shooting crossbows is one of the rituals used to ward off evil spirits and demons.

K.HÀ

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/goc-anh/202603/giu-hon-ben-nuoc-giu-ban-sac-e-de-32420d9/