Unique Dong Sua ritual of Thai ethnic community in Yen Chau district

The Dong Sua ritual took place in Kha hamlet, Sap Vat commune, Yen Chau district on May 30, marking the opening of the 6th Yen Chau Mango Festival 2025.

 

The Dong Sua ritual is held in the sacred forest of Kha hamlet, Sap Vat commune, Yen Chau district.

The ritual reflects the folk beliefs and cultural identity of the Thai ethnic community in Yen Chau district. Dedicated to worshipping the sacred forest, it serves as a prayer for favourable weather, abundant harvests, flourishing nature, good health, and prosperity for the hamlet.

From early morning, hamlet elders and residents gathered in the sacred forest. Amid the vibrant sounds of drums and gongs, they cleared the forest path, lit fires, steamed sticky rice, slaughtered pigs and chickens, and prepared offerings for the shaman to perform the ritual.

Families bring fabric and clothing to the worship hut, praying for good health and divine protection for their children and grandchildren.

Each household in the hamlet brought a pair of silver bracelets, a roll of white fabric, and khit cloth as offerings for the ritual.

The ceremony featured offerings to the deities, the hamlet’s founders, and the spirit of the forest. Offerings included a pig, chicken, rice wine, sticky rice, betel, areca nut, and the sacred garment of the forest spirit, accompanied by the traditional contributions from each household—silver bracelets, white fabric, and khit cloth.

The shaman performs the offering ritual to honour the deities.

The ritual is not only an occasion for the community to express gratitude to the deities and ancestors but also serves to strengthen community solidarity, highlighting the unique spiritual culture of the Thai ethnic people in Sap Vat commune and Yen Chau district as well.

 

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