Participation

Territory partly preserved from human activity, Phou Hin Poun is a succession of reliefs that human have more or less invested according to the accessibility and the ease of cultivation of the soil. Thus, the plain of Hinboun and the basin of Natane are cultivated while the rugged and bare plateaus remain away from human exploitation.

Indeed, the Lao have a culture of spirits inhabiting various places in the landscape: caves, mountains, forests, etc. These must not be disturbed and receive offerings, so that the villagers do not suffer their anger. A large majority of the villages in the territory also have a pagoda. This territory seems at first sight rather homogeneous, whereas in reality, several cultural communities have settled, thus diversifying beliefs and traditions.

One of the emblematic festivals of the Phou Hin Poun region is the Lin Houn, in the village of Konglor, specific to the Bo ethnic group. Formerly to cure the sick, the festival is organized every year. Four buffalo skulls are then buried in the mud, there are purification ceremonies, offerings and practices specific to the shaman performed. The latter then spots the evil spirits, the villagers roll in the mud, then the pagoda is purified. The baci ceremony follows in the same place (reminder of souls in all the important circumstances of daily life) for the prosperity of the village. Then a musical procession and a ticket tree are set up around the village.  

This tradition is particularly present in the village of Konglor, but during this ceremony validated by the local authorities, the bonzes (Buddhist monks), neighboring villages, foreigners, can participate in the ceremony. Thus, the different villages and inhabitants participate in a community life based on different beliefs, but rich in experience.