Venerable Lam Hiep, abbot of Bo Tum Reng Say Tum Nup Pagoda (also known as Tum Nup Pagoda, An Ninh Commune, Can Tho City - formerly Chau Thanh District, Soc Trang ), said that the Ngo boat is not only a means of daily life or competition, but is also considered a mascot representing the village and the village, symbolizing the prosperity, solidarity and unity of the Khmer people in the South. In addition, the Ca Hau boat, a type of boat that accompanies the Ngo boat in every festival season, also plays an equally important role.
Tum Nup Pagoda, where ancient Ngo and Ca Hau boats are preserved
PHOTO: DUY TAN
"Previously, the Ca Hau boat was often used by monks, elders or prestigious people to command and lead the Ngo boat team in the race. In addition, the boat also served as a logistics service, carrying food, water, and an orchestra throughout the competition," said Venerable Lam Hiep.
The place to keep ancient Ngo boats in the temple
PHOTO: DUY TAN
The sampan is made in the form of a dugout canoe, hollowed out from the trunk of a large tree, with the bow and stern curved and carved with elaborate patterns, often with fire and smoke motifs symbolizing strength and sacredness.
The boat is more than 300 years old
PHOTO: DUY TAN
The sampan is made in the form of a dugout canoe, hollowed out from the trunk of a large tree, with the bow and stern curved.
PHOTO: DUY TAN
Tum Nup Pagoda still preserves two ancient Ca Hau boats and one Ngo boat hundreds of years old. The pagoda's documents also preserve a handover record from 1802, clearly stating that these two boats were ordered from Champasak province (Laos) and transported by the Mekong River. Up to now, these boats have been at the pagoda for more than 300 years, and are considered priceless artifacts of Khmer culture.
The sampan is carved with sophisticated patterns, often with fire and smoke motifs symbolizing strength and sacredness.
PHOTO: DUY TAN
Boat with elaborate carvings
PHOTO: DUY TAN
Venerable Lam Hiep said that both the Ngo and Ca Hau boats are made from large old tree trunks, each tree can only make two boats depending on the size. In 2016, the pagoda restored and embellished the Ca Hau boat to participate in the water lantern releasing competition (Loi Protip). The competition is part of the Ooc Om Boc festival - Ngo boat racing to promote the movement to preserve this traditional boat type.
The exquisite carvings on the Ca Ho boat
PHOTO: DUY TAN
According to a survey at the pagodas of the Khmer people in the South in Can Tho City, the number of Ca Hau boats is currently less than 10. This type of boat is gradually disappearing from the races due to the high cost of building new boats, many pagodas do not have the conditions to invest, or young monks do not fully understand the historical and cultural value of boats.
The boat was put on a show on the Maspero River.
PHOTO: DUY TAN
According to the plan of Can Tho City People's Committee, the Ooc Om Boc festival - Ngo boat racing in 2025 will take place from November 3 to 5 in Phu Loi Ward and Soc Trang Ward, on a city scale.
The biggest highlight of the festival is the Ngo boat race, taking place from November 3 to 5. In particular, the program of releasing water lanterns and Ca Hau boats taking place on the evening of November 3 is expected to turn the Maspero River into a magical, shimmering picture, reflecting the unique cultural and spiritual beauty of the Khmer people in the South.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/can-canh-ghe-ca-hau-hon-300-nam-tuoi-cua-dong-bao-khmer-nam-bo-185251031093858503.htm
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