The Khang ethnic group accounts for 0.75% of the population of Son La province with nearly 10,000 people. This is one of the ethnic minorities with many unique cultural features, with traditional festivals, folk songs, and dances, imbued with national identity, preserved by the people to this day. Among them, we must mention the Tang Bu dance, a unique dance depicting agricultural production activities and daily life of the people.
In addition, there are many unique traditional rituals and festivals such as the Xe Pang A Ritual, which was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2023. Or the Can wine festival, a traditional ritual that brings together many unique cultural features of the ethnic groups. The festivals are held in early spring, with unique rituals and the common meaning is to thank ancestors, Mother Nature and pray for a new year of favorable weather and bountiful crops. With its unique and distinctive features, the culture of the Khang people is adding more features to the colorful cultural picture of the ethnic groups of Son La.
Cultural space of the Khang ethnic group in Quynh Nhai commune.
Prayer ritual in the Xe Pang A ceremony of the Khang ethnic group in Muong Gion commune. Photo source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La
The joyful festival part of the Pang A Tearing Ceremony.
Photo source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La
Prestigious shaman in the Khang ethnic community. Photo source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La
Sword dance focuses on power (pointing the tip of the sword with the candle towards the center of the Xang bok tree) in the Xe Pang A Ritual. Photo source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La
Re-enactment of the Can Wine Festival of the Khang people, Quynh Nhai commune.
Khang ethnic women show off their cooking skills.
Cultural space of the Khang ethnic group.