Residents of Bek Village in Ia Grai commune, Gia Lai province gathered on March 30 to celebrate the revival of their traditional Victory festival, marking its return after a 20-year absence due to economic hardship.
The event, held at the communal house yard, was recreated by the Pleiku Museum in coordination with the Ia Grai Commune People’s Committee, drawing villagers into a vibrant cultural celebration accompanied by the resonant sounds of gongs and chimes.
The Victory Festival is a significant ritual of the Bahnar and Jrai ethnic groups in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Historically, it commemorated triumphs over enemies, while today it serves as a ceremony of gratitude to deities for protection, health, prosperity and resilience against natural disasters and epidemics.
Bek Village, home to around 925 residents across 220 households, 75% of whom are Jrai, has preserved many traditional cultural practices despite years without the festival.
Village elder Puih Nhen said the community had long wished to restore the ritual but lacked resources. With government support to provide sacrificial animals, including a buffalo and a pig, villagers were able to organise the ceremony once more, ensuring younger generations can learn and sustain their heritage.
Preparations began well in advance, with villagers expanding the communal yard and erecting a ceremonial pole more than five metres high, decorated with distinctive patterns. Men selected timber and gathered forest vines to craft ritual materials, while women brewed jar wine, prepared bamboo-tube rice and grilled chicken.
The ceremony opened with solemn rites led by village elders. Offerings, including a buffalo, pig, goats and a rooster, were presented at the ceremonial pole as prayers were recited to Yàng, the deities, invoking blessings for favourable weather, good health and abundant harvests.
Following the ritual, the atmosphere shifted to celebration. Young men performed shield dances symbolising strength and protection, accompanied by gong music, while villagers formed expanding xoang dance circles around the communal house.
Participants also observed a local custom of throwing rice and forest vines at the sacrificial buffalo, representing collective hopes for prosperity and a reminder of their ancestral roots.
The festivities continued into the night, concluding on the morning of March 31 with a communal buffalo feast.
According to Y Phương of the Pleiku Museum, the festival not only reflects spiritual devotion but also reinforces community solidarity, highlighting the cultural richness of the Jrai people and contributing to the preservation of Vietnam’s national identity.