The Khai Ha Festival of the Muong ethnic group in Tan Lang commune, also known as the Going Down to the Fields Festival or the Forest Opening Festival, is the largest traditional folk festival of the Muong people in Tan Lang commune and neighboring communes. The ceremony includes the rituals of carrying the Ceremony from the village chief's house to the temple. The offerings are prepared with all kinds of fruits, pork, rice flowers, wine and foods produced by the people themselves, neatly arranged and performed by the Shaman to worship the gods according to the ancient Muong rituals, then the people perform the ritual of going down to the fields to plow the fields... The Festival rituals are associated with wet rice agriculture, bearing many imprints of ancient Vietnamese civilization, showing respect for the gods, remembering those who have contributed to the establishment of the land and Muong, and praying for favorable development of all things, bountiful crops, a prosperous and happy life.

Mr. Ha Van Rung, Party Cell Secretary, Head of Mo village, Tan Lang commune, Phu Yen district, Son La:“This festival is a traditional festival from ancient times, for generations, praying for a year of favorable weather and bountiful crops, and the people are very excited to participate fully.”

Through the ups and downs of history, Khai Ha festival has been deeply rooted in the consciousness of the Muong community, Tan Lang commune. The festival is also associated with the custom of courtship in Hang Vang, preserved by the people of Muong villages, especially the people of Mo village, preserving many traditional values, being the place where many cultural and historical heritages crystallize and converge, attracting a large number of locals and tourists to attend each festival season.

Mrs. Ha Thi Hay, Mo village, Tan Lang commune, Phu Yen district, Son La:“I am a resident of Mo village and am very happy and excited that the Party and State are interested in this Khai Ha Festival and hope that this Khai Ha Festival will be maintained and organized annually at the commune, district and provincial levels.”

In 2013, with the support of the Vietnam Folklore Association, the Khai Ha Festival and the Hang Vang playing custom were restored, preserved and maintained by the people of Mo village, Tan Lang commune until now. The Khai Ha Festival is held on the 7th day of the first lunar month every year. The festival is a community activity, with many unique cultural and artistic activities and culinary competitions, extremely attractive folk game competitions between Muong boys and girls of the commune.

Mr. Dinh Trong Thach, Muong Thai commune, Phu Yen district, Son La:“I am very proud that my hometown has a place and a festival imbued with the Muong ethnic identity here. The first time I came here, I felt the wild beauty of this place and I promise that this year 2025, I will come and spend a lot of time at this place.”

The annual Khai Ha Festival of the Muong ethnic group in Tan Lang commune will contribute to educating the tradition of patriotism and national pride, thereby promoting historical and cultural values, raising awareness in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups; promoting tourism products of Phu Yen district to domestic and foreign tourists./.

According to: Son La Provincial Radio and Television Station