The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has officially recognised the Forest God worship ritual carried out by the Mong ethnic people of Si Ma Cai district in the northern province of Lao Cai as part of national intangible cultural heritage.
The tradition typically takes place in February and June each year in accordance with the lunar calendar.
Through the Forest God worship ritual, the Mong ethnic community prays for good weather, a good harvest for a new crop, wealth, and solidarity.
The ritual also helps to educate local people about the need for greater environmental protection and to love both nature and the motherland.
Thanks to the practice, many forests of the Mong ethnic people throughout Si Ma Cai district remain intact.
