An aerial view of Ta So hamlet (Photo: Tran Long/VOV correspondent in the Northwest region)

Dressed in traditional costumes, young Mong men play the Khen, producing lively melodies while spinning and dancing. During festivals and special occasions, they perform for visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Mong people. These events enable the performers to practice the precious traditions passed down by their ancestors.

"Our Khen team practices regularly. Whenever tourists come or there is a festival, we perform to help preserve our ethnic culture," said Ta So villager Mua A Cua.

For the Mong people, the Khen holds great significance in daily life and has a sacred spiritual value. The instrument has both melancholy and lively tones. It plays a sad tune to accompany the deceased to the other world and ensure that they rest peacefully. No funeral is complete without the Khen. Lively tunes are played during festivals and celebrations, and when a young man wants to display his skill to the girl he loves.

The Khen is indispensable in the Mong’s festivals. (Photo: Thao Ly/VOV correspondent in the Northwest region)

"The Khen has endured for centuries and is used in festivals, ceremonies, and funerals. It has been passed down through generations. That’s how it continues," said Mua A Trong, an elder Khen artisan.

Mua A Cua, Mr. Trong’s son, began learning the Khen from his father at the age of 15. By the time he was 20, Cua had mastered the instrument and could perform with his family at funerals and festivals. For 30 years he has dedicated himself to the Khen.

A few years ago, noticing that only a few elders could play well and that most young people showed little interest, he began reaching out to talented youths, raising awareness about the Khen’s cultural significance, teaching them, and eventually forming a Khen team in his village.

"It’s very important to preserve it. We need to stay connected to our heritage. I both play and encourage the younger generation to learn. I will teach anyone who wants to learn, so that the sound of the Khen will live on forever," said Cua.

Artisan Mua A Cua (C) instructs local youth how to dance with the Khen. (Photo: baosonla.vn)

Ta So village’s Khen and dance team has 15 members. After work they gather to practice. Learning the Khen is difficult, requiring patience and dedication from both teacher and student. The young men also learn the accompanying dance moves. Combining skillful playing and dancing shows off their talent to the girls.

"It took me three years to master the Khen. I learned to play it so I can pass it on to my children and preserve our customs. If you don’t like it, it’s difficult to master it," said team member Mua A Khu. 

In many Mong homes in Ta So, the old Khen of their ancestors is displayed in a place of honor as a reminder that cultural identity must never be forgotten.