Ancient Gong Rhythms Echo Through Lâm Đồng as Traditional Cồng Chiêng Festival Returns

## Highland Heritage Awakens

The resonant sounds of bronze gongs filled the air in Đạ Teh district this past weekend as Lâm Đồng province launched its most ambitious Cồng Chiêng festival revival in nearly two decades. Over 3,000 visitors gathered at the Lạc Dương cultural center on February 8-9 to witness performances by 12 ethnic minority groups, marking a renewed commitment to preserving the UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage.

"This is not just about performing for tourists," explained Nguyễn Văn Hùng, Director of Lâm Đồng Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. "We're reconnecting young people in the highlands with their ancestors' voices. The gongs tell stories of harvest, celebration, and community that cannot be lost."

## Revival Rooted in Community

The festival featured ensembles from K'Ho, Ma, and Churu communities across Lâm Đồng's mountainous districts. The most striking performance came from the Lát village ensemble in Đạ Huoai district, whose 89-year-old master artist K'Briêng led a traditional ritual ceremony that hasn't been publicly performed since 2009.

Provincial authorities have allocated 2.3 billion VND (approximately $93,000 USD) toward gong culture preservation programs through 2026, including workshops in 15 highland communes and the establishment of a documentation center near Langbiang Mountain.

## Educational Impact

"I never understood why my grandmother kept those old gongs in our house," shared K'Linh, a 16-year-old student from Đà Lạt City who attended with her school. "Now I see they're like books—each rhythm pattern contains knowledge about farming seasons, weather prediction, even medicine."

The revival program, launched in partnership with the Vietnam National Academy of Music, will train 50 young artists over the next three years. Monthly performances are planned at the Đà Lạt Flower Gardens and special weekend shows at Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery.

## Looking Forward

Organizers announced plans for a permanent Cồng Chiêng cultural space near Cam Ly Falls, set to open in late 2027. The facility will house over 200 historical gong sets and offer immersive experiences for both domestic and international visitors.

"Đà Lạt is known for flowers and coffee, but the soul of the highlands beats in these gongs," said Trần Thị Mai, a cultural researcher from Đà Lạt University. "This festival proves that tradition and tourism can grow together, not against each other."