Lam Dong decides to end buffalo stabbing ritual

(VNF) - The People’s Committee of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong has released a document on strengthening management of traditional festivals and banning buffalo stabbing ritual- a part of the traditional cultural festival of ethnic minorities in the province.

Buffalo stabbing ritual. (Source: Internet)

Accordingly, the provincial People’s Committee asked the Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism to cooperate with relevant units and local authorities to limit the number of festivals, not giving permission for festivals with commercial or trade purposes and presenting violation of the rules implementing civilized lifestyle.

The buffalo stabbing ritual is a tradition of ethnic groups, who believe that when they sacrifice a buffalo to gods, they will be blessed with good health and bumper crops.

Buffalo sacrifices are a common ritual at many traditional ethnic minority festivals in the Central Highlands. People have expressed mixed opinions on whether the ritual should be banned.

Some people said the ritual should be preserved because it's unique part of the identity of ethnic groups. Others said the ritual was cruel and need to be ended in modern times.

Researchers suggest not holding festivals depicting evil activities of brutality and violence because of its negative impact on animal welfare issues and society. The authorities need to consider brutal rituals carefully, though they are traditional, since they have bad effect on the society.

In October, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has ordered an end to all performances that include either violent or offensive rituals, such as killing animals, and this is the first time it has taken such a tough stance.

The ministry also said that the number and the scale of spring festivals must be scaled down.

Earlier, in February, Dak Lak’s authorities also decided to replace the traditional buffalo stabbing ceremony at annual Buon Don Elephant Racing Festival with a symbolic ritual as part of an effort to stop violent activities at festivals.

Official statistics show that every year, more than 7,300 festivals take place around Vietnam, mostly in the spring. Most spring-time rituals were created centuries ago to commemorate ancient war heroes, show respect to the gods and to pray for good health, peace and prosperity -- all honorable causes./.

( Compiled by VNF )