The Ngo boat racing festival is one of the unique traditional festivals of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. Every year, on the occasion of Ok Om Bok, the colorful Ngo boat racing festival takes place, bringing with it the excitement and excitement of the local people. This is not only a sports competition but also an important cultural and spiritual event, clearly demonstrating the unique cultural quintessence of the Khmer people.
When the festival season comes, Khmer villages from Tra Vinh, Soc Trang to An Giang are bustling with the atmosphere of preparing for the race. Ngo boat teams, consisting of strong young men, are carefully selected and practice for weeks to prepare for the competition. Each ngo boat is about 25-30 meters long, made from the trunk of the Sao tree, the tree trunk is long and sturdy, elaborately carved and brightly painted, symbolizing the strength and vitality of the Khmer people.
Before the race, a solemn ceremony is held to pray for the protection of the gods, called the Ngo boat launching ceremony. From the concept of "all things have animism", the Khmer people believe that the Ngo boat is also a sacred object. Every action with the Ngo boat must be prayed for. With the belief of calling on the gods to help the boat team to swim successfully, people organize a ceremony with the presence of all the athletes and many supporters in the phum sroc (village)... The solemn atmosphere of the ceremony seems to spread throughout the space, blending with the bustling sound of drums and gongs, creating a delicate symphony between nature and people.
When the race began, thousands of locals and tourists flocked to both sides of the river to cheer on the boat teams. The cheers and encouragement echoed throughout the sky, mixed with the urging drums, creating a vibrant and dramatic atmosphere. The ngo boat teams, with the unanimity and rhythm of the rowers, rushed across the water, like silver arrows launched into the blue water. The race was not only a competition of strength but also a symbol of solidarity, team spirit and national pride.
In addition to the main race, the festival also features a variety of cultural and artistic activities. Lion dance and dragon dance performances, and folk games such as tug of war and sack racing attract enthusiastic participation from everyone, from children to adults. Traditional music and dance performances by local artists not only enrich the festival atmosphere but also help visitors understand more about the culture and customs of the Khmer people.
Cuisine in the Ngo boat racing festival is also an indispensable part, contributing to enriching the experience of tourists. Khmer specialties such as vermicelli soup, flattened green rice (Khmer), five-color sticky rice (Tay), beef curry (Cham) are sold everywhere, bringing unique and attractive flavors. Tourists not only enjoy delicious dishes but also have the opportunity to learn about the rich culinary culture of the Khmer people.
The Ngo boat racing festival is not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for Khmer people to honor the gods, pray for a bountiful harvest and a peaceful life. This is also an opportunity for the community to unite, share joy, and deepen pride in the nation's cultural traditions. The activities in the festival not only help preserve and promote traditional cultural values but also promote the image and tourism of the locality.
The Khmer Ngo boat racing festival is a vivid and colorful picture of the culture and spirit of the nation. The powerful river dances, solemn spiritual rituals, and rich cultural activities have created a unique festival, imbued with the Khmer cultural identity. Thereby, the Ngo boat racing festival not only contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values but also enriches the spiritual life of the people, bringing pride and community cohesion.
Comment (0)