The ethnic Nang Hai festival in the northern province of Cao Bang has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. 

A traditional ceremony held as part of the Nang Hai festival

Right after receiving the recognition certificate on May 7, the organizing board beat the drum to kick off the two-day festival in Tien Thanh commune, Phuc Hoa district.

The festival features a photo exhibition on the festival, a food festival, folk games, and a music gala.

Nang Hai is a traditional festival of the Tay ethnic minority, which reflects their praying for favourable weather, bumper harvests, and happy life.

According to the Tay people’s belief, there were Mother Moon and 12 fairies on the sky above. The Nang Hai festival was an opportunity for the community to sing as way of inviting their goddesses to earth, helping them cultivate a bumper crop.

The festival is now held biennially. Its recognition as a national intangible cultural heritage was an acknowledgement of local efforts in preserving and promoting the traditional cultural value.-VNA