On 25/4, Siu Pho and Rolan Hieo, two assistants to the 14th Fire King Yang Potao Apui, performed a rain-calling ritual. They were joined by the council of village elders and supporting artists. The ceremony took place on the peak of the "sacred mountain" Chu Tao Yang, located within the Plei Oi National Historical-Cultural Site in Chu A Thai commune.

Rolan Hieo performs the "eagle spreading wings" dance. Photo: Kim Thi

The rain-calling ceremony is a traditional Jarai belief ritual, held annually in April. The main offerings for the ceremony include one large black pig carried from the village up the mountain, one jar of wine, one beeswax candle, and one plate of rice.

During the ritual, Rolan Hieo performs the "eagle spreading wings" dance, while Siu Pho recites prayers. He petitions the deities for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and a prosperous, happy life for the community.

Pham Van Luong, Chairman of Chu A Thai Commune People's Committee, stated that the Jarai people, both historically and today, organize the Yang Potao Apui rain-calling ceremony, which is closely linked to Potao Apui, a cultural phenomenon of the Fire King associated with rain rituals.

"With the goal of preserving and promoting distinctive indigenous cultural values, we organized the reenactment of the Yang Potao Apui rain-calling ritual in accordance with the folk beliefs, customs, and practices of the Jarai ethnic community", Luong said.

Gong performance and masquerade. Photo: Kim Thi

Alongside the rain-calling ceremony at the Plei Oi site, local authorities also organized a cultural and sports festival for ethnic minorities. The festival featured many activities: masquerade performances, gong playing, basket weaving, statue carving, brocade weaving, stilt walking, and crossbow shooting.

Potao Apui, known as the Fire King, emerged around the 15th century and persisted for five centuries, spanning 14 generations. Siu Luynh, chosen as the 14th Fire King, passed away in 1999. Today, the rain-calling rituals are carried out by his assistants, Rolan Hieo and Siu Pho.

Tran Hoa