Unique Cham and Khmer art in the heart of Hanoi.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Socio-Economic Achievements Exhibition, An Giang province dedicated a special space to folk art, where Cham and Khmer artisans performed, interacted, and invited the audience to join in. This was not only an artistic highlight but also an opportunity for Hanoi residents to get closer to the culture of the Southern region.

Chairman of the People's Committee of An Giang province, Ho Van Mung, visits the Cham and Khmer cultural spaces at the exhibition.

An exhibition showcasing socio -economic achievements to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025) is currently taking place at the National Exhibition Center, Dong Anh (Hanoi).

Within the exhibition space showcasing traditional costumes and musical instruments of the four main ethnic groups, Cham and Khmer folk artists directly entertain visitors with unique song and dance performances, creating a popular attraction for the public.

A special trip to Hanoi

Every day, the Cham and Khmer stage area is packed with spectators. Thousands come to enjoy the rhythmic drumming, the resonant sounds of the five-instrument ensemble, and the lively Khmer dances. Many children are even guided by artisans to try drumming and playing the orchestra, creating delightful moments. In those moments, folk art transcends mere performance and becomes a fascinating, hands-on experience.

Chairman of the People's Committee of An Giang province, Ho Van Mung, visited and congratulated the Cham and Khmer artisans at the exhibition.

Mr. Chi Soc Hoanh, head of the Khmer artisans' delegation from An Giang province, said: “Our delegation departed on August 25th, traveling by car for 3 days and 2 nights, and arrived in Hanoi on August 27th. The delegation's equipment includes a full set of traditional musical instruments of both the Cham and Khmer ethnic groups, from the five-instrument ensemble, drums, stringed instruments, and horns. The delegation consists of 16 artisans, including 8 Khmer and 8 Cham, performing regularly from 8 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm until September 5th.”

In addition to traditional folk songs, the Khmer artisans' troupe from An Giang province also presented bilingual revolutionary songs praising love for their homeland and country, along with dances that invited the audience to participate. This intimacy transformed each performance into a mini-festival, fostering community cohesion right in the heart of the capital city.

Tourists dance along with the performers.

Tourists dance along with the performers.

Bringing the community together in the heart of the capital city.

Invited to dance with the artisans, Mr. Dong Xuan Phu, residing in Dan Phuong commune (Hanoi), enthusiastically shared: “I only intended to watch, but when the artisans invited me to join the dance circle, I felt like I was a part of the performance. When I tried playing the drums in the five-instrument ensemble, I felt even more clearly the subtlety and richness of traditional art.”

Veteran Vu Quang Canh, residing in Tan An ward (Bac Ninh), also expressed: “I experienced war and understand the value of unity. When I joined the dance and heard the singing echoing among thousands of people, I became even more convinced that culture is the thread that connects all generations.”

The orchestra performs with traditional instruments like drums and other percussion for tourists.

The artist performs with a five-instrument orchestra.

The artist performs with a five-instrument orchestra.

As the only female artist in the Khmer troupe, Neáng Phol Ly has to practice daily to be able to perform to the best of her ability. “Every dance movement, every note of music is the essence of our ethnic culture, and I always tell myself that I must preserve it with all my love and perseverance,” Neáng Phol Ly said.

Ms. Ro Hi Mah, an artist from the Rabana Cham ethnic group of An Giang province, emotionally shared: “This is my first time in Hanoi, and seeing so many people, from children to adults, enjoying the traditional Cham musical instruments and art, makes me very proud. It shows that folk art not only thrives within our small community but is also embraced by the whole country.”

Tourists enjoyed filming and taking photos of the performances.

Young audience members get to experience playing musical instruments.

Young audience members get to experience playing musical instruments.

In the exhibition space showcasing traditional costumes and musical instruments, the sounds of drums and horns, along with the traditional Khmer community dances, brought a fresh new dimension to the exhibition. It was not just a performance, but also a testament to the enduring vitality of national culture – a bridge connecting people across the country to understand, love, and preserve Vietnamese cultural identity.

Text and photos: TAY HO

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doc-dao-nghe-thuat-cham-khmer-giua-long-ha-noi-a427550.html