The Thai people believe that deities, sympathizing with orphaned children who lack fathers to build houses, refrain from bringing rain, causing drought. To prevent crop failures and famine, the villagers conduct a rain praying ceremony.

This festival not only meets the community's agricultural needs but also strengthens family and village bonds, while preserving and promoting cultural values. Below are some images from the Rain Praying Festival of the Thai people in Yen Chau district, Son La province.

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Preparing offerings for the River Deity.
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"Me Mai" (the main female ritual leader in the ceremony) presents offerings to and asks the River Deity to bring rain.
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"Me Mai" performs a ritual to bless the plants with water.
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Playing the drums and gongs to celebrate the festival
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Villagers splashing water in hopes for favorable weather

Translated by Trung Thanh