Preserving the beauty of the Khang ethnic culture

There are currently more than 10,000 Khang ethnic people living in our province, accounting for 0.75% of the province's population. Preserving traditional cultural features is of interest to localities, contributing to enriching the diverse culture of Son La.

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

Coming to Quynh Nhai commune, where a large number of Khang people live, we heard meaningful stories about preserving the culture of this ethnic minority. In 2018, the Khang Cultural Identity Preservation Club was established, gathering more than 40 members who are artisans and mass artists of the Khang people in the villages in the commune. The club is led by Ms. Lo Thi Phau, Dan Dam village, former Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Chieng On commune (from 2000-2011), an artisan dedicated to Khang culture. For many years, Ms. Phau has always been a companion in propagating to people to develop the economy , stabilize their lives and preserve their ethnic identity.

Ms. Lo Thi Dung, Lom Lau village, Quynh Nhai commune, a member of the Khang Cultural Identity Preservation Club, shared: I studied with artisan Lo Thi Phau many years ago. Now that she is old and weak, I and the club maintain the activities and are the ones who sing Khang folk songs, perform the main rituals in ethnic ceremonies such as the Xe Pang A ceremony, the Can wine festival, the new rice celebration, the Xip Xi Tet... I wish to pass on the culture of my ethnic group to the next generation, so that the Khang culture can be preserved and promoted.

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

In Muong Chien commune, the Lo Cu village Khang ethnic folk dance club was also established many years ago with 15 official members. During its operation, the club regularly attracts other members of many ages to participate in activities, practice folk songs, folk dances, and dance performances imbued with the Khang ethnic identity. Ms. Quàng Thị Bó, the club leader, said: The Khang people have a tang bu dance with a "tang bu" made of bamboo tubes as a prop, and dance during Tet, festivals, and traditional ceremonies. When dancing, the "tang bu" is tapped on the floor, making a sound along with the rhythmic jumping and jumping, helping to make the festival atmosphere more exciting.

The Khang culture has many unique and distinctive features, from costumes, language to spiritual culture. The unique features, especially the vibrant "tang bu" dance, with the sound of the mountains and forests, or the traditional rituals that are still preserved in the community. Clearly expressed are the beliefs and thoughts, the way the Khang people behave with nature and all things that have been connected for many generations, such as the Xe Pang A Ritual recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2023; the traditional wine festival. The rituals are held in early spring, with unique rituals and the meaning of thanking ancestors, mother nature and praying for a new year of favorable weather and bountiful crops.

Wine festival of the Khang ethnic group.
Photo: PV

Not only in Quynh Nhai, Muong Chien, the Khang people in other localities of Son La such as Chieng La, Chieng Lao, Muong Gion communes also always promote the spirit of solidarity, together preserving the traditional culture of the nation. Localities have increased propaganda and implemented solutions to encourage and motivate people to preserve and conserve the beauty of ethnic culture, especially preserving folk songs, folk dances, traditional rituals; organizing cultural and artistic activities, recreating festivals so that people have the opportunity to exchange, learn, and introduce cultural beauty to everyone; supporting choreography and staging dance performances imbued with the identity of the clubs and art troupes of the Khang ethnic villages.

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, Son La Provincial Youth Union and sponsors built the Khang ethnic community cultural house in Pa Mong Pa Pu village. Each village of the Khang ethnic group currently maintains a mass art troupe, supported with 2 million VND/year to purchase costumes and props. The commune always pays attention to and strengthens propaganda and mobilization work for the Khang ethnic group to preserve cultural identity, build community solidarity, and actively develop the economy to continuously stabilize and improve the quality of life.

With its unique and distinctive features, the culture of the Khang people is adding more features to the colorful cultural picture of the ethnic groups in Son La, enriching spiritual life and strengthening community solidarity.

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