On April 11, implementing the plan to preserve and promote national cultural identity, the People's Committee of Gao commune (Gia Lai province) solemnly organized the 2026 Forest Worshiping Ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the sacred forest of De Chi village, with the participation of leaders of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Commune People's Committee, Dak Doa Regional Forest Protection Department and a large number of people and tourists.
The forest worshiping ceremony has long become a beautiful traditional cultural feature of ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands in general, and the Jrai community in De Chi and O Grang villages (Gao commune) in particular.
This is a ritual to express gratitude to the forest, the source of life, the place that shelters and is closely associated with human life.
At the same time, people pray for forest gods to bless favorable weather, bumper crops, peaceful villages, and a prosperous and happy life.
Representatives of De Chi and O Grang villages, village elder Puih Long and village elder Siu Doih presided over the ceremony, offering offerings including pigs, chickens, and can wine next to the sacred ancient tree.
The two village elders also, on behalf of the community, expressed their gratitude to the gods who have protected the village through many generations, and at the same time prayed to invite the Yangs to attend the ceremony.
After the ceremony, representatives of the two villages committed not to cut down forests, actively plant and protect forests, prevent forest fires, and educate children and grandchildren to raise awareness of preserving this precious resource.
The festival part took place sôi nổi at O Gia village stadium with many activities such as gong performances, cultural exchanges, tug-of-war, stick pushing, and food stalls, OCOP products.
The forest worshiping ceremony contributes to preserving traditional cultural values, raising community awareness in forest protection, and at the same time promoting the local image to tourists from near and far.
