The 2009 International Gong Festival will be organised for the first time in the Central Highland province of Gia Lai’s Pleiku city from November 12-15. 

The event aims to highlight the gong culture, a UNESCO-recognised “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.

The event will showcase the biggest bronze gong which was cast by nearly 700 artisans and experts during 90 days at the Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village of the central Quang Nam province.

The gong measuring 2.5 meters across and weighing 700 kilograms is inscribed with beautiful patterns and images of ethnic minority people from the Central Highlands holding hands while dancing.

The festival will also include a photo exhibition, a forum on preserving and upholding gong culture in the Central Highlands.