As the first cold winds of winter sweep across the northwestern border region, the Ha Nhi people in the communes of Sin Thau and Muong Nha excitedly celebrate their traditional Khu Su Cha New Year. Unlike the Lunar New Year of the Kinh people, the Khu Su Cha New Year usually takes place around December 15th, a time when the harvest is complete and people are relaxed after a year of hard work.

Children of the Ha Nhi ethnic group in Nam Khum village, Muong Nha commune, beam with joy as they celebrate the traditional Khu Su Cha New Year.

In the Ha Nhi ethnic community in the far west today, there are two main groups: the Ha Nhi Co Cho and the Ha Nhi La Mi. The Ha Nhi Co Cho group mainly lives in villages belonging to Muong Nha commune; while the Ha Nhi La Mi group is concentrated in villages of Sin Thau commune. Although they share a common cultural origin and celebrate the Khu Su Cha New Year, the two groups still maintain cultural practices with distinct characteristics. Notably, the Ha Nhi Co Cho people usually celebrate the New Year 1-2 days earlier than the Ha Nhi La Mi people.

For the Ha Nhi people, the Khu Su Cha Tet (New Year) marks the beginning of the new year, a time for children and grandchildren, no matter where they are or what they do, to return home and reunite under the familiar roof. Therefore, Tet is not confined to individual families, but becomes a shared festival for the entire village, connecting people with their ancestors, the earth, and the community.

In the days leading up to the traditional Lunar New Year, the atmosphere of preparation has spread throughout the Ha Nhi community in the far west. At the home of Mr. Su Po Hu in Chieu Sung village, Sin Thau commune, everyone is bustling with excitement. Houses are cleaned thoroughly, and fires are lit earlier in the morning to prepare traditional dishes.

According to Mr. Su Pó Hừ, a beautiful custom that the Hà Nhì people have preserved for generations is pounding sticky rice cakes during the Lunar New Year to give to guests visiting their homes. Previously, the cakes were pounded entirely by hand. Nowadays, with the help of machinery, many families have switched to using machines to make the process less laborious, but the meaning of the cake remains unchanged. The sticky rice cakes, soft and fragrant with the aroma of fresh rice, are given directly to guests as a wish for a prosperous and close-knit new year, reflecting the simple hospitality of the Ha Nhi people.

During the New Year, Ha Nhi women don indigo-dyed dresses adorned with vibrant, elaborately hand-embroidered patterns. The meticulously decorated headpiece becomes a highlight, accentuating the discreet yet enduring beauty of the highland women. Men wear simple, muted-colored clothing, creating a harmonious image between the people and the border mountains. The village's folk art troupes actively organize performances for the people and tourists. Ms. Po Son Me, leader of the Ta Ko Khu village's folk art troupe, shared: “The Khu Su Cha New Year is the most important occasion of the year for the Ha Nhi people. The village's folk art troupe prepares early, practicing folk dances and songs to perform during the New Year. Through this, we hope to preserve and pass on to the younger generation the beautiful traditional culture of our ethnic group, while also creating a joyful and united atmosphere in the community.”

As the scent of rice wine lingers on their breath, the atmosphere of Tet in the far west becomes more vibrant. Around the crackling bonfire in the village square, the Ha Nhi people join hands and dance their traditional xoe dance. The sounds of drums, gongs, and laughter echo through the tranquil mountains and forests, creating a vivid picture of cultural life rich in identity.

Amidst the joyful atmosphere of the Khụ Sự Chà New Year, many tourists had memorable experiences, clearly feeling the sincerity and hospitality of the Hà Nhì people. Mr. Lê Anh Tuấn, a tourist from Điện Biên Phủ ward, shared that this was his first time celebrating the New Year directly with the Hà Nhì people. From the moment he arrived at the village, he was warmly welcomed by the locals, invited into their homes to share a cup of fragrant rice wine, enjoy new rice, sticky rice cakes, and other traditional dishes in a warm and intimate atmosphere. Mr. Lê Anh Tuấn said: “I was truly impressed with how the Hà Nhì people celebrate the New Year. Everything was simple but sincere. When I left the host's house, I was even given sticky rice cakes, a small gift but containing the beautiful feelings and customs of the Hà Nhì people.”

In the villages of Sen Thuong and Ta Ko Khu, the Khu Su Cha Tet festival doesn't require elaborate rituals. A simple red-hot hearth, a freshly cooked meal, rice cakes exchanged, and circle dances are enough to keep people coming back. Amidst modern life, the Khu Su Cha Tet festival is still cherished and preserved by the Ha Nhi people, becoming a strong bond connecting generations, enriching the cultural tapestry of ethnic groups in Dien Bien province, and affirming the enduring vitality of traditions in the far west of the country./.

According to baodienbienphu.vn