Dak Lak blends cultural preservation with tourism growth
On January 16, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Dak Lak Province distributed numerous sets of gongs, musical instruments and traditional attire of ethnic groups to 33 cultural clubs and art teams across 14 districts, towns, and cities.
Dak Lak province distributes numerous musical instruments and traditional attire of ethnic groups to 33 cultural clubs and art teams across 14 districts, towns, and cities. (Photo: VNA)
Dak Lak (VNA) - The Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Dak Lak province distributed numerous sets of gongs, musical instruments and traditional attire of ethnic groups to 33 cultural clubs and art teams across 14 districts, towns, and cities on January 16, helping locals improve their cultural and spiritual life.
Nguyen Thuy Phuong Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department, said the initiative follows Resolution No. 10/2021/NQ-HDND of the provincial People’s Council, focusing on preserving gong culture from 2022 to 2025. It is also part of a national programme to boost socio-economic development in ethnic and mountainous areas.
The department partnered with local authorities to support outstanding cultural clubs and art groups in ethnic communities by providing equipment, instruments, and traditional costumes.
This support helps clubs improve their training and performances, enriching local cultural life. It also motivates them to host more events and exchanges, showcasing the unique beauty of ethnic traditions to both domestic and international audiences. The initiative encourages ethnic minorities to showcase their talents and actively participate in cultural events, contributing to the preservation and promotion of their heritage, Hieu noted.
Among the recipients, the Lao ethnic instrument club in Tri village, Krong Na commune, Buon Don district received ten sets of traditional Lao male and female costumes, a Bongo drum, two-tiered bamboo gongs, a T’rung and a Ding Pah zither.
🎀 Club leader Y No Ly Kbuor expressed gratitude for the support, noting it was a welcome boost after over a decade of activity during which many instruments had worn out or become inadequate. He added that the contribution will inspire local youth to preserve and celebrate Lao culture while fostering tourism and improving livelihoods./.
Around the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, Lao traders came to exchange goods in Buon Don district, the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, and many settled there to establish livelihoods. They brought with them the beautiful cultural aspects and beliefs of the “land of a Million Elephants” and have preserved them to this day.
For ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, the gong is not only a musical instrument but also a magical tool used in their polytheist religion, and is therefore held in solemn esteem by local people. Join us on a tour to the region to see how the M’Nong people, an indigenous ethnic group, have attempted to preserve their gong space.
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