Ha Nhi ethnics’ traditional festival named national heritage
Ga Ma Thu, a traditional festival of Ha Nhi ethnic people in Muong Nhe district, the northwestern province of Dien Bien, has been named in the list of national intangible cultural heritage.
Ha Nhi ethnic women dye eggs red which are among the offerings in rituals of the Ga Ma Thu festival (Photo: VNA)
Dien Bien (VNA) – Ga Ma Thu, a traditional festivalof Ha Nhi ethnic people in Muong Nhe district, the northwestern province ofDien Bien, has been named in the list of national intangible cultural heritage.
The heritage certificate was presented at aceremony held by authorities of Muong Nhe district on June 13.
The festival is practiced by Ha Nhi ethnics inthe four westernmost communes of Sin Thau, Chung Chai, Sen Thuong and Leng SuSin.
This is the most important festival in a year ofHa Nhi people. It takes place in the second lunar month to pay tribute andexpress gratitude to ancestors as well as the supernatural powers forprotecting villages and supporting people’s health and development.
It is also an occasion for locals to relax andcelebrate the arrival of spring.
During the three-day festival, Ha Nhi peoplehalt farm work and do not catch or eat wild animals. Aside from worshiprituals, they also engage in entertainment activities.
The Ga Ma Thu festival is the eighth nationalintangible cultural heritage of Dien Bien province.-VNA
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Ha Nhi ethnic women dye eggs red which are among the offerings in rituals of the Ga Ma Thu festival (Photo: VNA) 
