From the resounding gong in village communities to folk melodies in coastal areas, young people in Dak Lak are helping preserve and promote traditional cultural values through grassroots clubs coupled with arts groups.

In Kram Hamlet, Ea Ktur Commune, the gong club has become a familiar place for many young people to gather and take part in cultural activities. Following the merger of hamlets together with villages last June, its membership nearly doubled from an initial number of more than 30 members. Alongside Ede gong performances, club members also play Arap gongs of the Gia Rai people, T’rung instruments, bamboo flutes and various other traditional musical instruments.

Passing on the rhythms of gong music.

Mr. Y Yop Knul, a club member, said: “Members practise regularly to improve their performance skills and coordination. Whenever the village or local authorities organise festivals or cultural performances, the club joins in, helping introduce traditional cultural values to local residents along with visitors.”

While gong music in the provincial western part is closely associated with village life, folk songs and Bai Choi performances in the eastern part reflect the distinctive cultural identity of coastal areas. Performances of traditional folk songs alongside ethnic musical instruments are receiving greater attention at cultural and arts activities organised by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union together with the Viet Nam Youth Federation.

In Song Cau Ward, the Youth Union is focusing on establishing and maintaining clubs and arts groups dedicated to traditional art forms through exchange activities, competitions and festivals. Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Linh, Secretary of the Song Cau Ward Youth Union, said this approach provides opportunities for union members along with other young people to explore and practise folk art forms, while fostering their appreciation for and awareness of preserving local cultural identity.

Expanding opportunities for cultural exchange and connection

Alongside grassroots club activities, exchange programmes and competitions organised by the Youth Union coupled with the Viet Nam Youth Federation are creating more opportunities for young people with shared interests to meet, exchange experiences and learn about traditional culture. These activities also help introduce folk art forms to a wider audience of union members along with other young people.

Young people actively participating in practice sessions to learn and perform traditional musical instruments, helping preserve ethnic cultural identity.

In October 2026, as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Viet Nam Youth Federation's Traditional Day, the provincial Youth Union and the provincial Viet Nam Youth Federation organised a festival, providing an opportunity for youth cultural clubs alongside groups across the province to meet, exchange experiences and showcase the distinctive cultural features of their respective localities.

Mr. Y Le Pas Tor, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union and President of the Provincial Viet Nam Youth Federation, said that following the provincial merger, cultural exchange activities played a practical role in connecting union members coupled with young people from different regions. Through these events, clubs and groups not only have opportunities to showcase their talents as well as artistic skills but also to introduce and promote the distinctive traditional cultural values of their ethnic groups to young people province-wide.

The Provincial Youth Union expects these activities to encourage greater young participation in local cultural and artistic activities, while supporting clubs and groups to maintain regular practice alongside strengthen their role in preserving traditional cultural heritage.

“Cultural diversity across different regions is an advantage for Dak Lak. From the resounding gongs in villages to folk melodies in coastal areas, each art form embodies its own stories, customs and cultural identity. When young people actively explore, practise as well as introduce these values, traditional culture is not only preserved but also gains renewed vitality in community life,” Mr. Y Le Pas Tor said.

Translated by KHUONG THAO