Preserving the cultural beauty of the Khang ethnic group.

The Khang ethnic group in our province currently numbers over 10,000 people, accounting for 0.75% of the province's total population. Preserving their traditional culture is a priority for local authorities, contributing to the rich and diverse cultural landscape of Son La province.

The sword dance in the Xe Pang A ritual of the Khang people.
Source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Upon arriving in Quynh Nhai commune, home to a significant concentration of Khang people, we heard meaningful stories about the preservation of this ethnic minority's culture. In 2018, the Khang Cultural Preservation Club was established, bringing together over 40 members – artisans and grassroots cultural figures from the Khang ethnic group in the commune's villages. The club is led by Ms. Lo Thi Phau, from Dan Dam village, formerly the Chairwoman of the Chieng On Commune People's Committee (from 2000-2011), a dedicated artisan passionate about Khang culture. For many years, Ms. Phau has been a constant companion, promoting economic development, stabilizing livelihoods, and preserving ethnic identity among the people.

Ms. Lo Thi Dung, from Lom Lau village, Quynh Nhai commune, a member of the Khang Cultural Preservation Club, shared: "I studied under artisan Lo Thi Phau many years ago. Now that she is old and frail, I and the club maintain the activities and I am the one who sings Khang folk songs and performs the main rituals in ethnic ceremonies such as the Xe Pang A ceremony, the rice wine festival, the new rice celebration, the Xip Xi Tet festival... I hope to pass on my ethnic culture to the next generation, so that Khang culture can be preserved and promoted."

The shaman performs the ritual in the Xe Pang Á ceremony.
Source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

In Muong Chien commune, the Khang ethnic folk dance club in Lo Cu village was also established many years ago with 15 official members. Throughout its operation, the club has consistently attracted members of various ages to participate in activities, practicing folk songs, folk dances, and dance performances that reflect the unique identity of the Khang ethnic group. Ms. Quang Thi Bo, the club's leader, said: The Khang people have a "tang bu" dance with props made from bamboo tubes, performed during Tet (Lunar New Year), festivals, and traditional ceremonies. When dancing, the "tang bu" is tapped on the floor, producing a sound that, along with the rhythmic swaying of the dance, adds to the lively atmosphere of the festival.

Khang culture possesses many unique and distinctive characteristics, from clothing and language to spiritual culture. Its unique features, especially the vibrant "tang bu" dance, imbued with the sounds of the mountains and forests, and its traditional rituals, are still preserved within the community. This is clearly reflected in the Khang people's beliefs, thoughts, and ways of interacting with nature and all things, which have been intertwined for generations. Examples include the Xe Pang A ritual, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2023, and the traditional rice wine festival. These rituals, held at the beginning of spring, feature unique ceremonies with meanings of gratitude to ancestors, Mother Nature, and prayers for a new year of favorable weather and abundant harvests.

The traditional rice wine festival of the Khang ethnic group.
Photo: PV

Not only in Quynh Nhai and Muong Chien, but also in other localities of Son La province such as Chieng La, Chieng Lao, and Muong Gion communes, the Khang people always uphold the spirit of solidarity and work together to preserve the traditional culture of their ethnic group. Local authorities strengthen propaganda and implement solutions to encourage and motivate the people to preserve and protect the beautiful aspects of their ethnic culture, especially preserving folk songs, folk dances, and traditional rituals; organize cultural and artistic activities, and revive festivals so that people have the opportunity to interact, learn, and introduce the beauty of their culture to everyone; and support the choreography and staging of dance performances with a strong cultural identity for Khang ethnic clubs and art troupes in their villages.

The Xoe dance of the Khang people in Quynh Nhai commune.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Chieng Lao commune, informed: In early 2025, the Son La Provincial Youth Union, along with sponsoring units, built a community cultural center for the Khang ethnic group in Pa Mong Pa Pu village. Currently, each Khang village maintains one amateur performing arts group, receiving 2 million VND per year to purchase costumes and props. The commune always pays attention to and strengthens the work of disseminating information and mobilizing the Khang ethnic people to preserve their cultural identity, build community solidarity, and actively develop the economy to continuously stabilize and improve their quality of life.

With its unique and distinctive characteristics, the culture of the Khang people is adding a special touch to the colorful cultural tapestry of the ethnic groups in Son La, enriching their spiritual lives and strengthening community solidarity.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/giu-net-dep-van-hoa-dan-toc-khang-JY6aGZGvR.html