Water Wharf Worship Festival: Preserving and Protecting the Source of Life

The festival was organized in two main parts: a solemn ritual section, followed by a vibrant festive program deeply rooted in traditional cultural identity. The ritual began with a ceremonial procession inviting deities to bear witness, followed by the water wharf worship rite conducted by village elders from Phi Mur village and Ka La Dong village.

During the ceremony, the elders offered prayers calling upon the mountain, forest, stream and Dong Nai River deities. The prayers expressed the community’s hope for an abundant, pure and life-sustaining water source throughout the year, ensuring the villagers’ growth and prosperity. They also prayed for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, harmonious and united communities, and lasting happiness for all.

This was followed by a fish-releasing ritual, symbolizing the desire to restore and sustain aquatic resources while demonstrating a strong commitment to ecosystem conservation and water protection. In their prayers, the elders expressed their heartfelt wish that the released fish would thrive and multiply, that water sources would never run dry, and that the community would enjoy abundance while jointly protecting forests and water resources for both present and future generations.

After the ritual section, the festival continued in a joyful and lively atmosphere with a series of traditional folk games such as tug of war, sack jumping, blindfolded duck catching and blindfolded clay pot smashing. These activities attracted enthusiastic participation and cheers from local residents.

Beyond providing an engaging early-spring gathering, the festival helped strengthen solidarity and bonds among villages, while contributing to the preservation and promotion of valuable traditional cultural practices.

More than a spiritual event, the Water Wharf Worship Festival also serves as an educational opportunity to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of protecting natural resources, particularly water—the very source of life. At the same time, it plays a meaningful role in preserving indigenous cultural heritage and promoting community-based tourism in the locality.