La Chi people’s spiritual life in Ban Diu Commune improved

BHG - For the La Chi ethnic minority group in Ban Diu Commune, the Khu Cu Te Festival holds significant importance in their lives. Mentioning the La Chi people immediately brings to mind the Khu Cu Te Festival and vice versa.

The Khu Cu Te Festival was included on the list of national intangible cultural heritages in 2014, by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. At the beginning of the seventh lunar month, the La Chi people prepare offerings to their ancestors during the festival.

The Khu Cu Te Festival of the La Chi people in Ban Diu Commune is celebrated annually in the seventh lunar month.

Vuong Ngoc Kien, Secretary of the Diu Thuong Village’s Party Cell, said that in recent years, the La Chi people have consistently adhered to the Party's and State's policies. This includes the implementation of Provincial Resolution No. 27 on abolishing outdated customs and practices. Various ceremonies, weddings, and funerals have been simplified, unnecessary procedures have been cut, and the consumption of alcohol during festivals has been limited. The offerings for the Khu Cu Te Festival have become simpler, depending on the economic conditions of each family.

To concretise the Provincial Party Committee’s Resolution No. 27, the Party Committee and authorities of Ban Diu Commune have focused on leading and thoroughly informing each cadre, party member, and citizen. Every year, the commune has launched competitive movements among the villages, promoting and committing to several key points. These include avoiding early marriage and consanguineous marriage, and not demanding costly wedding gifts, with the total value of gifts not exceeding 25 million VND per wedding. The wedding ceremonies should not last more than 1.5 days. The procedures for betrothal, engagement, and bride escort are both in line with the ethnic and local customs and are cost-saving.

For funerals, in recent times, the La Chi ethnic group has made significant progress in their funeral practices. Villagers now ensure that the deceased are not kept in the house for more than 48 hours and are placed in coffins within four to six hours after death. They avoid slaughtering large numbers of livestock and poultry and do not organise feasts during funerals. Previously, relatives and neighbours would bring alcohol to share their condolences, but this practice has now been abolished through advocacy efforts. The spiritual life of the La Chi people also includes clear regulations on ritual offerings, which are incorporated into local conventions and agreements. Notably, when someone falls ill, they are taken to medical facilities for examination and treatment, avoiding fortune-telling or ritualistic practices. The community also refrains from gathering in large groups that could disrupt public order and ensures cleanliness and environmental hygiene.