The Ngoc Chien New Rice Festival 2024 features both ceremonial and festive parts. The ceremonial part began with new rice offering rituals at Don Ho Temple in Muong Chien hamlet and Sa Mu Tree God Temple in Na Tau hamlet.

The local shamans conducted the rituals to express gratitude to ancestors, earth and heaven, while praying for favourable weather, bumper harvests, and a prosperous life. After the ceremonies at the temples, households prepared their own new rice offerings at home. Depending on each family’s conditions, they may invite guests to join in the celebration.

Following the rituals, the host invites guests to join the festival with traditional rice wine and exchange the best wishes.

The festive part attracted a large number of visitors with an art programme themed "Ngoc Chien - new rice season". Artisans and art troupes from 15 hamlets of Ngoc Chien commune performed 45 songs, dances, and music pieces praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, the innovative homeland of Son La, love between couples, the beautiful natural scenery of Muong La, and the Ngoc Chien rice scent.

The Ngoc Chien New Rice Festival 2024 lasts until August 30 at Muong Chien Stadium in Ngoc Chien commune,