Ha Nhi women makes their own beautiful clothes. (photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest Bureau)

The Ho Su Cha New Year Festival is celebrated after the harvest is complete and people can gather and rest. From early morning, Ka Lang village in Thu Lum commune is filled with music, laughter, and cheerful conversation. Smoke rises from earthen-walled houses, and the aroma of freshly made banh giay (pounded rice cakes) blends with the scent of corn wine.

Villager Ly Xa Pu said: “Before the Ho Su Cha festival, we decorate our houses, make banh giay, and prepare offerings for worshiping our ancestors. The offerings include meat, liquor, cakes, and incense to thank heaven and earth and express gratitude to our ancestors for blessing them with good harvests and healthy children. It’s a time when family members and relatives from far away return home to celebrate. It’s a very happy time.”

Ha Nhi men can make different types of bamboo containers. (photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest Bureau)

This year, the Ha Nhi’s New Year Festival coincides with the provincial Ethnic Culture Festival, turning it into an even more joyful event. Ha Nhi women dress in their most beautiful costumes, while men engage in folk games such as crossbow shooting, tug of war, and cloth ball throwing. Tourists can also join the games held at the community yards.

Chu Te Hu from Me Giong village said: “Before the New Year celebration, my family prepared a pig. Traditionally, we examine the pig’s liver to foretell the coming crops. During the festival days, we prepare meals and invite friends and relatives, as well as travelers, to join.”

Family members gather for a New Year party. (photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest Bureau)

Tourist Nguyen Van Binh, from Nghe An province, said: “We enjoy the festive atmosphere and the warm affection of the Ha Nhi people. Everyone gathers to prepare the New Year meals and welcome family members returning home. We can join in the traditional dance and feel the heartfelt hospitality of the community. I hope to return soon to experience this wonderful festival again.”

The time-honored Ho Su Cha Festival has become a distinctive highlight of tourism in Lai Chau province. The Ha Nhi people consider their traditions a “cultural treasure” that supports local socio-economic development. Nguyen Truong Giang, Party Secretary and Chairman of the People’s Council of Thu Lum commune, says efforts will be focused on preserving traditional house architecture, maintaining customs and practices, and promoting the production of specialties such as corn liquor, banh giay, and brocade weaving.

Ha Nhi people examine the pig’s liver to foretell the coming crops. (photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest Bureau)

“Border Guard officers have worked with communal Party cells to encourage people to preserve cultural identity in connection with community tourism development. Traditional festivals like this are an opportunity for people of different groups to learn more about each other’s cultural identity,” said Giang.

Amid the sounds of drums and gongs, surrounded by the aromas of corn liquor and banh giay, the Ha Nhi people of Thu Lum commune make their wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year at the Ho Su Cha celebration.