(VOVWORLD) - Every year on the 4th day of the 4th lunar month, Dao Thanh Phan ethnic minority people in Dong Van commune, Quang Ninh province gather at market fairs to celebrate the traditional “Wind Avoidance Festival.” More than just a spiritual event, the festival is an occasion for people to entertain and strengthen community bonds.
 Dao Thanh Phan women dress up for the Wind Avoidance Festival. (Photo: Hoang Gai) |
The Wind Avoidance Festival originates from the custom of avoiding wild beasts and natural disasters, and praying for a prosperous harvest and well-being.
The Dao Thanh Phan believe that on the 4th day of the 4th lunar month, when no one is inside the house, the Wind God will come in to blow away misfortunes and bring blessings, good fortune, and a bountiful year. Therefore, from early morning, all family members leave the house and do not return until sunset.
They also believe that this is not a good day for starting new tasks or doing any work, whether farming or building houses. All villagers go to the market fair to join the “Wind Avoidance Festival.”
“When we are atthe festival, the wind enters the house. People celebrate the event with great enthusiasm,” Nguyen Truong Xuan from Phai Lau hamlet said.
“The festival is a meaningful day for the Dao people to meet and share our stories. We talk, eat, and play together to strengthen solidarity,” said Chiu Moc Trang.
 A tug-of-war competition between hamlets in Dong Van commune. (Photo: Nhan Dan newspaper) |
At the market area, modest stalls offer all kinds of local products such as bamboo shoots, vegetable cakes, honey, brocade items, and indigenous melons. The market is not only a trading space but also a “living museum” of Dao culture.
“As a child of this land, I love my ethnic culture. I’m very happy and proud to participate in the festival and see our cultural heritage shared with others,” Chiu Pa Mui from Phat Chi hamlet said.
The festival also features a variety of activities such as art performances, traditional sports competitions like stick pushing, tug-of-war, and shuttlecock throwing, and displays of handicrafts, One Commune One Product (OCOP) items, and traditional cuisine.
"I always look forward to the festival. We enthusiastically practiced to participate in cultural, musical, and sports exchanges,” said Duong Cam Henh from Khe Tien hamlet.
The “Wind Avoidance Ritual” of the Dao people in Dong Van commune has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
 The Wind Avoidance Ritual of the Dao in Dong Van commune is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. (Photo: Vu Mien/ VOV) |
Tang Van Dao, Vice Chairman of the Dong Van commune People’s Committee, proudly said, “The recognition is the result of the Dao Thanh Phan community’s efforts in preserving and maintaining their fine tradition.”
Vi Ngoc Nhat, Head of the Office of Culture, Science and Information of Binh Lieu district, home to Dong Van commune, said they will coordinate with higher-level agencies, including the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to develop a detailed strategy to further promote the ‘Wind Avoidance Ritual’. “We will also support the preservation and teaching of the ritual to younger people and combine it with community-based tourism development.”
The “Wind Avoidance Ritual” reflects the harmony between humans and nature, and also the real world and the spiritual world.