(VOVworld) - The Don Village biennial Elephant Race opened in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on March 12, where people are praying for abundant crops and happiness. H’Hynh R'Ja , a M’Nong craftsman, said that these days, to prepare for the festival, people are practicing their Xoang rhythms. Hundreds of gong artists and Xoang dancers are participating in the festival to honour elephant hunting and taming.
The elephant wear on their backs the colorful brocade panels of the festival. Y Sieng Nie, an elephant master from Don Village, Krong Na commune, said 18 elephants are ready to race.  During the two-day event, elephants show off their strength and skill in running, playing football, and swimming. This year's festival has been organized to promote the cultural identity of indigenous peoples and boost local tourism.

An artisan prepares for a ceremony to worship the water god

Water god ceremony to pray for sufficient water and good weather for abundant crops

Bay Rong water station in Don Village where Chieftain Khun Ju Nốp, known as the King of elephant hunting, presides over the ceremony.

Praying for the elephants’ good health and expressing people’s love and respect for elephants.

Elephants are the symbol of the Central Highlands in general and Don Village in particular

Little boy follows his father riding an elephant

H’Phân Rya and her grandchild at the ceremony

Xoang dancers from Don Village

Playing gongs in the water god ceremony

A photo journalist rides an elephant