Bahnar epics become national heritage

Epics passed down many generations of the Bahnar ethnic minority community in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai in Vietnam were awarded a certificate recognising them part of the national intangible heritage on April 24.

The Bahnar epics are legends about the tribe’s heroes and great events, which are long enough to sing and tell through several nights.

Currently, there are more than 20 storytellers who know by heart 70 Bahnar epic poems across the province. Some of the epics have been recorded and published.

The recognition will help promote those charming stories and facilitate relevant activities of research, collection and preservation.

The Central Highlands region, which comprises the five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, is home to stunning mythical landscapes and a significant population of diverse ethnic minorities and cultures.