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The Spring Farming Festival, known as Lễ Hội Lồng Tồng (or “Festival of Going to the Fields”), is a vibrant and sacred event celebrated annually by the Tày people in Bản Tha, Hà Giang. This festival, held at the beginning of the lunar year, is a traditional agricultural ritual where locals pray for a bountiful harvest, favorable weather, and prosperity for the community. It is one of the most anticipated events in Bản Tha, bringing together farmers, elders, children, and visitors in a joyous atmosphere filled with ceremonies, performances, and folk games.
Set against the lush valleys and tranquil rice paddies of Hà Giang, the Spring Farming Festival Tha Village—known locally as Lễ hội Lồng Tồng—is a joyful celebration marking the start of a new agricultural season. This deeply rooted event in the Tày ethnic culture serves not only as a plea for fertile land and good weather but also as a unifying occasion for the local community and an unforgettable experience for travelers.
Held annually in Tha Village, Phương Độ commune, this festival welcomes visitors from all over the world who are seeking authentic cultural immersion, traditional Vietnamese music, ancient rituals, and heartwarming hospitality.
The Spring Farming Festival Tha Village reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Tày people. Its origin is intertwined with beliefs in natural harmony, ancestral worship, and community cohesion. Traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the lunar new year, the festival acts as both a farewell to the old season and a hopeful greeting to the new.
During this sacred time, local shamans and elders conduct rituals to honor the Earth God, Rain God, and ancestral spirits—believed to control the outcome of each farming cycle. These prayers and offerings are not mere customs but manifestations of deep gratitude and spiritual connection with nature.
The festival symbolizes more than just the start of rice planting—it represents renewal, blessings, and community bonding. The entire village gathers to seek harmony and abundance, praying not only for bountiful crops but also for good health, happiness, and peace throughout the year.
One of the most profound moments of the Spring Farming Festival Tha Village is the offering ceremony held at the communal house (đình làng) or a sacred outdoor altar. This ritual involves the presentation of traditional items such as:
These items are offered with prayers for favorable weather, fertility, and peace. Local shamans lead the ceremony with rhythmic chants and symbolic gestures that reflect ancient animist and ancestor worship practices.
Immediately following the offerings is the first plowing ceremony—a pivotal ritual during the Spring Farming Festival Tha Village. A respected farmer, often chosen by community consensus, plows the first furrow in the communal field, symbolizing the start of the agricultural season.
This action is believed to invoke the blessing of the land spirits and ensure a fruitful yield. Spectators cheer and follow behind, replicating the act with joy and anticipation, turning the ritual into a vibrant, participatory moment.
The Spring Farming Festival Tha Village is alive with the rhythms and melodies of Tày culture. Visitors can expect captivating performances of:
Folk games are an essential part of the Spring Farming Festival Tha Village, offering both fun and cultural symbolism. Popular activities include:
These games are more than entertainment—they preserve and pass down indigenous wisdom, unity, and joy to younger generations.
Food plays a central role in the Spring Farming Festival Tha Village. Villagers prepare and share hearty meals that represent love, unity, and blessings. Dishes to savor include:
Eating together from shared trays, guests and hosts bond over laughter, stories, and toasts—making every meal a celebration in itself.
The Spring Farming Festival Tha Village takes place in late January or early February, based on the lunar calendar. Visitors should check with local tourism offices or cultural event listings to confirm the exact dates, as they vary annually.
While modern Vietnam has rapidly urbanized, the Spring Farming Festival Tha Village offers a unique window into a culture preserved by generations. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and communal values that shape Tày identity.
This is not a staged performance—it’s a real, living tradition where travelers are encouraged to participate. Whether helping plow a furrow, joining a circle dance, or toasting rice wine with villagers, you become a welcomed part of the story.
Set amidst emerald mountains, rolling rice paddies, and clear mountain air, Tha Village is both picturesque and peaceful. Combined with the warm hospitality of the locals, the experience becomes not just a festival visit, but a soulful journey.
Out of respect for local customs, visitors should wear modest clothing, especially during ceremonies. It’s also a good idea to bring layers as early spring can be chilly in the highlands.
Always ask permission before photographing people or sacred rituals. Most locals are friendly and happy to share their culture if approached politely.
Take the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts, woven garments, or locally produced herbal teas. Supporting these vendors helps preserve cultural traditions and sustains the community.
Day 1: Arrival in Hà Giang – Travel to Tha Village
Day 2: Festival Day
Day 3: Village Life & Departure
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a photographer, a foodie, or a traveler seeking deeper connections, the Spring Farming Festival Tha Village is a must-see highlight in Northern Vietnam. It’s more than a celebration—it’s an invitation into a way of life filled with meaning, rhythm, and resilience.
Book your experience early to align with the lunar calendar and prepare for an enriching adventure you’ll never forget.
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✨ Join the Tày people in Bản Tha for an unforgettable journey into tradition, spirituality, and festivity! 🌸🌾
- Enjoy a traditional Tày meal featuring:
- Engage with villagers, farmers, and cultural storytellers.
• Final blessings and gratitude expressions. • Community singing and dancing to celebrate the successful festival. • Visitors receive handmade souvenirs as a token of appreciation.
📅 The festival is held at the beginning of the lunar year, usually in late January or February, depending on the traditional Tày calendar.
📍 The event is celebrated in Bản Tha, Phương Độ Commune, Hà Giang City, a beautiful Tày village known for its traditional farming culture.
🌾 The festival, known as Lễ Hội Lồng Tồng, is a spiritual and cultural event where the Tày people pray for a good harvest, favorable weather, and community prosperity. It marks the beginning of the agricultural season.
✅ Visitors can:
💰 No, the festival is free and open to everyone, but visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and support the community by purchasing local handmade products.
👕 Comfortable casual or traditional attire is recommended. Visitors should dress modestly out of respect for sacred rituals.
📸 Yes, but ask for permission before photographing rituals or locals, as some ceremonies hold deep cultural significance.
🏡 Yes, Bản Tha offers authentic Tày homestays, allowing visitors to stay overnight, enjoy local meals, and immerse in village life.
🚌 From Hà Giang City, you can take a short motorbike or taxi ride (about 5km) to reach Bản Tha.
🙏 - Follow the lead of local elders during rituals. 🙏 - Avoid loud noises or disruptive behavior. 🙏 - Do not touch ceremonial offerings unless invited. 🙏 - Be respectful and engage with the community in a friendly manner. ✨ Join the Tày people of Bản Tha for an unforgettable cultural celebration! 🌿🚜
Sacred Agricultural Traditions
Experience the Lễ Hội Lồng Tồng, the Tày people's ancient festival praying for a prosperous harvest.
Rituals & Offerings
Witness traditional ceremonies honoring the gods of agriculture and ancestors.
First Plowing Ceremony
Celebrate the symbolic start of the farming season, bringing luck and fertility to the fields.
Folk Dance & Music Performances
Enjoy Then Singing, Tính Lute melodies, and the joyful Múa Xòe Tày dance.
Exciting Folk Games
Participate in shuttlecock throwing (Ném Còn), Tug-of-War, and rice pounding contests.
Traditional Feasting
Savor local delicacies while sharing a meal with the warm and welcoming Tày community.
Cultural Immersion
A rare chance to engage with authentic Tày customs and beliefs in a festive village atmosphere.
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