“Xen Muong” opens Ban Flower Festival

“Xen Muong”, one of the biggest festivals of the Thai ethnic group in Son La province, was held at Dong Xen Park, Chieng Coi ward, Son La city on March 15, as the opening activity of the city’s Ban (Bauhinia) Flower Festival 2025.

Dong Xen Park is more attractive with white Ban flowers.

The Ban Flower Festival consists of a ceremonial part and a festive part. In the ceremonial part, the “Xen Muong” festival is performed by elderly artisans with the “Tam Te Then” ritual, reporting and inviting the gods (8 Then) in heaven and the gods who govern the mountains and rivers in the lower world (muong lum) to join in the Ban Flower Festival and enjoy the delicious dishes made by the local people.

The “Tam Te Then” ritual at Dong Xen Park.
Tying a thread on the wrist at the “Xen Muong” festival.

The annual "Xen Muong" festival is an opportunity to express gratitude to the gods and those who have contributed to the discovery, construction and protection of the hamlets. It also aims to pray for peace, good weather, bumper harvests, and favourable business. It has become a unique cultural feature of the ethnic community in Son La city.Immediately afterwards, at Dong Xen Park, the city leaders offered incense, expressing their gratitude to the gods and ancestors.

The Standing Board of the Son La city Party Committee offers incense at Dong Xen Park.
The thread-tying ritual at the incense offering ceremony at Dong Xen Park.

At Dong Xen Park, the city leaders expressed their gratitude to the gods and those who have contributed to the exploration, construction and protection of the hamlets, while also praying for peace for all people in Son La city, good weather, and bountiful harvests.

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