The event attracted the participation of 15 gong troupes from villages, ethnic boarding schools that came to introduce the gong culture of Ba Na and Jrai ethnic minorities.

There were also colorful festivities such as the Celebration of New Paddy of Jrai ethnic people and the Celebration of Victory of Ba Na people in addition to sculpture and brocade making contests.

The highlight of the fest was pơtual (funny men) whose jokes or make-up shows were aimed at earning laughs from the festival-goers.

9-year-old Hyơk from Ha Tay district performed typical body movements
of a pơtual (funny man). Pơtual is an indispensable character of make-up shows of Ba Na ethnic people.

Before his performance, Hyơk posed for a photo with another
‘actor’ who put on clothes made of tree roots.

Children have to practice twice a week to skillfully make movements of a pơtual.
The pơtual dance is aimed at raising laughs and celebrating victory of Ba Na ethnic people.

Rơchâm Hnúi, 11, from Ia Ka district, wears a mask made of brown cowhide
and a dress made of banana leaves to disguise himself as a ghost at a festival of Jrai ethnic people.

Nhip, 60, disguises himself as a buffalo.

  A gong troupe from Ia Mơ Nông performing close to a burning fire.

 A gong troupe from Ia Khươi at their own buffalo stabbing festival,
wishing for a year of prosperity and good weather for Ba Na people.

Children from a boarding school in Chư păh district came to support their
friends who are performing at the festival.

Tuoitrenews