The value of gong culture, a distinctive feature of the Central Highlands and a piece of world intangible cultural heritage, is vividly cherished through a festival kicked off in the regional province of Lam Dong on April 24.
The festival brought together more than 500 gong artisans from ethnic minority groups across the province in performances that enhanced solidarity and especially celebrated the 40th anniversary of Da Lat-Lam Dong Liberation as well as Southern Liberation and National Unification.
In her opening remark, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Thi Nguyen highlighted that the event is part of tireless efforts the community has made to preserve and develop the space of Gong culture.
On this occasion, 24 patriarchs and artisans were granted with cultural gong artisan title.
The festival is scheduled to embrace a wide range of activities such as folk games and gong culture competition.
The Central Highlands region, which comprises the five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, is home to stunning mythical landscapes and a significant population of diverse ethnic minorities and cultures.
Especially, the space of gong culture was recognised by UNESCO on November 25, 2005 as an oral-transmitted masterpiece and intangible cultural heritage of the humanity.
It is believed that behind every gong hides a god or goddess who is all the more powerful when the gong is older. Every family possesses at least one gong, which indicates the family’s wealth, authority and prestige and also ensures its protection.