Joint efforts preserve M’nong water shrine ritual

The M’Nong Water Shrine Ritual, once held after each harvest and before the new farming season, has become increasingly rare in villages across Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

To prevent cultural loss, the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has initiated efforts to restore the tradition, together with local authorities. For the M’Nong people, the water wharf is regarded as a sacred life source bestowed by Giàng, the supreme spirit, enabling settlement, farming, and rice cultivation.

The ritual is conducted at the village headwater stream and involves collective preparation, with households contributing labour and offerings such as livestock, rice wine, food, and ritual items. Beyond spiritual significance, the ritual promotes respect for water resources, forest protection, and ecological balance. It is considered one of the oldest cultural practices of the M’Nong community.