According to the customs of the Gia Rai people, the communal house (the Rong) is not only a place for activities, meetings and festivals of the whole community, but also a sacred place.
Therefore, the new communal house worshiping ceremony is one of the important and unique festivals of the Gia Rai ethnic people.
After the communal house is relocated, repaired or renewed, a ritual to worship the Yang must be held to thank the Gods for supporting and helping the villagers in the past and praying for peace and prosperity.
The offerings for the ritual are carefully prepared, involving the “neu” tree, pork, chicken meat, “lam” rice, alcohol, and more. The rituals are conducted solemnly and the festival takes place happily with the participation of a large number of villagers.
Some images of the ritual:
Preparing offerings for the ritual
The ritual’s chairperson decorates the “neu” tree.
The ritual’s chairperson conducts the ritual with his assistants.
The villagers beat the gongs to celebrate the new communal house
Translated by Trung Thanh