Bay Rong spring in Buon Don commune, Dak Lak, is a spiritual site where the M’nong people gather to pray for village safety, elephant health, favorable weather, and good harvests. Yet, many remain unaware of the origin of this sacred spring.

According to local legend, at the end of the 18th century, Bay Rong spring was merely a sandy riverbank on a branch of the Serepok River in what is now Buon Don commune.

At that time, only a couple and their nephew lived in the area. After some time, all three passed away, and the location was left deserted.

At the end of the 19th century, Y Thu Knul, an elder of the M’nong people, migrated with his tribe from Dak Nong to Buon Don to establish a new village.

Upon arrival, Y Thu immediately sought a water source for the community’s daily life and spiritual customs such as spring worship and elephant health rituals.

As newcomers, it was initially difficult to find a suitable spring. However, with guidance from locals, Y Thu discovered Bay Rong and chose it as the community’s water source.

Since Y Thu established the spring, villagers of Buon Don have returned here every March or during the Lunar New Year to hold traditional ceremonies. They pray for elephant health, good weather, and bountiful harvests.

According to H'Ngua Bya, a descendant of Y Thu (who refers to him as her great-grandfather), she learned stories passed down about the region’s notable figures. She affirmed that Y Thu selected Bay Rong as the foundational water source for the newly settled M’nong community.

She explained that in M’nong belief, water plays a vital role in life. It is the origin of all existence - of people, nature, abundance, and the growth of communities.

The spring worship ceremony expresses gratitude to the heavens and earth for health and harmonious weather.

The M’nong believe that rivers, forests, and mountains are inhabited by deities. These spirits protect people, provide food and water, and ensure the survival and prosperity of humanity.

For this reason, when Y Thu Knul cleared the forest to establish the village, he chose the spring by the Serepok River as a shared resource for drinking, fishing, mooring boats, and conducting spiritual rituals.

The M’nong community thrived in this area. Trade and cultural exchange flourished, especially with people from Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.

To express gratitude to the deities, Y Thu Knul and the villagers organized annual spring ceremonies.

These ceremonies take place in March, after the harvest or the return from elephant hunts. Villagers offer the year’s produce to the deities, praying for continued protection, good weather, abundant crops, and family well-being in the year ahead.

In the past, after the spring ceremony, families would also hold rituals at home, praying for the health of household members and livestock, including elephants and cattle.

Throughout March, most villagers paused their daily work to focus on spiritual offerings and communal feasts. It was known as the season of “feasting all month,” as March marks the end of the dry season, when harvests are completed.

Y Thu Knul is remembered as a powerful tribal chief and a skilled trader who built connections with many nations. He famously captured a rare albino elephant with black tusks and presented it to the King of Thailand. In return, he was bestowed the honorary title “Elephant King.”

Hai Duong