Impressions from cultural colors

In the colorful space of the National Achievement Exhibition on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day, the exhibition booth of Dak Lak province not only stands out with its modern design blending with local identity, but also makes its mark with a series of unique traditional and folk art programs.

Every day with 3 time slots (9 - 11 am; 3 - 5 pm; 7 - 9 pm), the space of Dak Lak exhibition is always packed with visitors. The long, resounding gong sounds from the great forest blend with the drum beats, the bustling xoang dance; mixed with the Bai Choi melodies of the Central region, the Ba Trao singing of coastal fishermen... That harmonious timbre partly depicts a Dak Lak after the merger - where the forest and the sea blend together in the rhythm of life. And it is not only music , but also the breath of the community that leaves its mark at the National Exhibition, in the heart of Hanoi Capital.

Sharing about the preparation work, Meritorious Artisan Tuan Minh (Tuy An Nam commune) said: “We have selected outstanding performances to perform at this exhibition. What we want is not only to perform, but also to introduce so that the public can feel the breath in each cultural heritage that our ancestors have preserved and passed down through many generations…”.

Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Huynh Thi Chien Hoa (left cover) talks with artisans. Photo: Provided by Dak Lak Museum

Not only music, Dak Lak's exhibition booth also attracts visitors by the space of handicrafts. Here, visitors can easily see the sophistication of the working hands along with the enthusiasm and hospitality. Those are the artisans of Tong Ju village (Ea Kao ward) patiently instructing each movement and technique of weaving brocade patterns; artisans of Yok Duon village (Lien Son Lak commune) slowly mold pottery and tell the story of the traditional craft's attachment to the earth and fire; and artisans in O Loan and Tuy An Nam communes are skillful in weaving sedge and weaving each mesh of nets...

It can be said that the live performance of the artisans right at the exhibition booth helps visitors not only observe but also integrate and experience. Viewers can try to play each stone instrument, get acquainted with bamboo musical instruments, or join the artisans in weaving nets, weaving sedge, weaving brocade, and making pottery. These seemingly simple activities carry within them the depth of culture, traditional industry and community memory.

Brocade weaver H'Yam Bkrông (Tông Ju hamlet, Ea Kao ward) shared: "This is an opportunity for us to interact and inspire viewers. When I see tourists excitedly participating and experiencing, I believe that the traditional craft still has a strong vitality, if we know how to preserve and spread it."

The direct interaction left a deep impression on visitors. Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh, a tourist from Nghe An , after trying to weave the net, said that this was the first time she had experienced this traditional craft. The artisans were very patient in guiding her, but when she started doing it, she realized that this was quite a difficult job, requiring meticulousness and dexterity. What surprised her was that every step was done entirely by hand, without the support of machines, so she admired the hard work and talent of the artisans even more.

Tourists excitedly experience playing the lithophone. Photo: Provided by Dak Lak Museum

Not only adults, but also children were attracted. Dang Quynh Anh, an 8th grade student at Cau Dien Secondary School (Hanoi) shared: “I visited many exhibition booths at the exhibition, but the most impressive was Dak Lak province. There are many musical instruments, artifacts, traditional crafts and images of cultural heritage. I hope to have the opportunity to visit in the future to learn and experience more.”

The presence and encouragement of local leaders when visiting the province's exhibition space was also a great source of spiritual encouragement for the members of the Dak Lak delegation. Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Huynh Thi Chien Hoa kindly visited and encouraged the artisans; expressed her respect for the efforts to preserve, transmit and introduce traditional cultural values ​​that make up the identity of the Dak Lak ethnic community. She emphasized that this is not only a place to introduce the achievements of the past 80 years, but also a space to gather the cultural quintessence of ethnic minorities. Artisans are not only "living treasures" of the community, but also a bridge to help the younger generation understand, love and be more proud of their roots. In the context of deep integration today, preserving identity is even more important. Through this exhibition, the image of Dak Lak as a land rich in tradition, full of aspirations for development will spread strongly to domestic and international friends...

From the echoes of gongs, traditional musical instruments, singing, the art of Bai Choi, to the delicacy of artisans' hands as well as the excitement of tourists..., all have created an impression not only of the sounds and cultural colors of diverse ethnic groups, but also contributed to spreading the message of a Dak Lak that is striving to preserve traditional values, while at the same time growing strongly in the integration era.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/tin-noi-bat/202509/an-tuong-tu-nhung-sac-mau-van-hoa-9cd1920/