Village people hold forest worship ceremony
From early morning, people in O Grang village ( Ia Pech commune, Ia Grai district) have gathered and followed a small road into the forest. They headed towards Ia Cor stream - the place chosen by the elders of Siu Doih village - to hold an important forest worship ceremony.
Here, in addition to offerings such as wine and some prepared foods, the people also set off a fire to grill rice, pork, chicken... to prepare for the village festival after the ceremony.
Under the large tree, the village elders of Siu Doih arranged offerings, including: A roasted pig, grilled chicken, wine, a set of chicken liver and a piece of live pork.
Wearing traditional costumes, the village elders raised their commandments, invited the Forest God, the Mountain God, and the Water God to witness and protect, giving the villagers a peaceful and prosperous life.
Preserving culture with mountains and forests
Ia Pech commune currently has about 560 hectares of forest, which has been contracted to the community of O Grang and Dau Chi villages for management and protection.
In recent years, thanks to the encouragement and support from the district and commune authorities, the people of the two villages have alternated to organize forest worship services. This activity not only raises awareness of forest protection and development but also contributes to strengthening the spirit of solidarity in the community.
According to tradition, forest worship services are held alternately between the two villages. If this year O Grang village hosted it, next year it will be Dai Chi village.
Everyone in the village is proud and excited to prepare and perform this important ceremony together.
Not only a spiritual ritual imbued with human values, the forest offering ceremony also demonstrates the spirit of solidarity and commitment to protect the forest between the Jrai community and the authorities.
