In the warm atmosphere of the early days of Spring in the Year of the Horse (2016), the People's Committee of Van Ban commune joyfully organized the Rice Planting Festival in Lang Chut village. After a long winter, the land and sky seemed to awaken. Gentle spring sunshine spread across the fields in the middle of the village, the very place that had endured the historic floods of September 2025. Therefore, for the people of Lang Chut, this year's festival was not only filled with the sounds of drums and laughter but also brimming with faith and hope.
On the afternoon of February 26th (the 10th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Horse), the central rice fields of Lang Chut village were ablaze with flags and flowers, filled with lively sounds. Groups of people in vibrant traditional costumes stood out against the green of the hills and the brown of the newly plowed fields. The Tay people of Lang Chut village and Na Loc 2 village, along with many tourists from all over, eagerly participated in the festival. Everyone was cheerful, shaking hands and exchanging greetings after a year of hardship.
This year's festival was held solemnly, following traditional rituals while ensuring safety and economy. Following the offering ceremony, the sacrificial rites took place with reverence and solemnity. Before the altar erected in the middle of the field, the elders, on behalf of the villagers, offered incense to thank heaven and earth, the god of agriculture, and prayed for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and prosperity for all families. Amidst the fragrant incense smoke and the spring breeze, prayers echoed. These were not only wishes for a bountiful harvest, but also expressions of gratitude for the villagers' ability to overcome natural disasters, rebuild their homes, and maintain their faith.
Following the ceremonial part, the festivities unfolded with lively folk games, songs, and dances reflecting the rich cultural identity of the Tay people. The melodious sounds of the zither and the traditional folk songs echoed through the expansive mountain landscape, creating a vibrant yet profound springtime scene. Games such as throwing the ball, tug-of-war, climbing banana trees, and stick pushing attracted large crowds of locals and tourists. Cheers and shouts of encouragement resounded across the fields.
Mr. Chu Quoc Tung, from Hamlet 2, Van Ban Commune, shared: “The festival is rich in national identity, with many customs and traditions. Along with that, there is the shared joy and cooperation of the villagers in preparing the feasts and organizing games. Being part of the crowds at the festival makes me very happy.”
Indeed, from early morning, families have been preparing offerings and traditional feasts together. Each dish is carefully arranged, showcasing not only skill and resourcefulness but also conveying heartfelt respect and wishes for a prosperous new year.
What is particularly special and moving is that the Spring Rice Planting Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026 was held right on the very rice paddies – areas once submerged in floods that swept away crops and property, leaving behind countless worries and anxieties for the people. Yet, in just a few months, through the joint efforts and unity of the government and the people, the fields have been restored and replenished. Green has returned to the plowed furrows. Holding the festival here serves as vivid evidence of the miraculous rebirth of this impoverished land.
Ms. Noọng Linh from Làng Chút village said emotionally: "After the difficulties caused by the natural disasters in 2025, the people have stabilized their lives and production. In the festive atmosphere, I, along with all the villagers, hope that 2026 will bring a prosperous and happy life, with a bountiful harvest. All difficulties will pass, giving way to joy and happiness."
Those simple words of sharing concealed so much effort behind them. They represented days spent together clearing mud and debris, repairing rice paddies, rebuilding livestock shelters, and sowing the first seeds after the flood.
The "Going Down to the Fields" festival has long been a beautiful cultural tradition and a precious heritage of the Tay ethnic people in Van Ban, preserved and passed down through many generations. Beyond its religious and spiritual significance, the festival is also a community cultural activity that fosters strong bonds. It's an opportunity for people to meet, share production experiences, and encourage each other to overcome difficulties. These gatherings also strengthen the spirit of solidarity, mutual support, and compassion.
Mr. Ha Tien Su, Vice Chairman of the People's Council of Van Ban commune, said: After celebrating the Lunar New Year and organizing the Rice Planting Festival, the people begin their agricultural work. The festival not only has a spiritual significance, praying for a bountiful harvest, but also carries the meaning of preserving and maintaining the cultural identity of the ethnic groups.
This statement shows that the festival is not separate from working life, but rather the starting point for a new production cycle. When the drums of the festival subside, the sounds of plows, hoes, and shovels resound in the fields.
Along with the festive activities, local authorities have intensified propaganda and mobilization efforts to encourage people to compete in labor and production right from the beginning of the new year, with the spirit of "Celebrate Tet simply, work early, and get to work immediately." These slogans not only resounded on the radio but were also concretized through production plans, technical training courses, and programs supporting seeds and fertilizers. All aimed at rebuilding the homeland after the floods, so that green would once again cover the fields once devastated by the natural disaster.
Amidst the vibrant spring atmosphere of the 2026 Rice Planting Festival, the meaning of the word "rebirth" is clearer than ever. On land once ravaged by devastating floods, joy has blossomed, hope has taken root, and a new season begins to the resounding sound of festival drums echoing through the mountains and forests of Van Ban.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/lang-chut-vui-hoi-cau-mua-post894616.html
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