Preserving Khmer cultural colors

The traditional culture of the Khmer people has been preserved through many generations. These values ​​continue to be present in daily life, contributing to enriching the national cultural identity.

In recent days, the atmosphere of celebrating the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year of the Khmer people has been vibrant and warm in many localities throughout the province. With the attention of Party committees and authorities at all levels, many activities to care for the material and spiritual lives of the people have been organized, bringing a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere to villages and hamlets.

The Chol Chnam Thmay New Year celebration at Pang Trao Pagoda, O Lam commune. Photo: KHANH MY

Chol Chnam Thmay, the Khmer New Year, is the biggest festival of the year, usually taking place in mid-April. According to traditional beliefs, this is the transitional period between the old and new year, a time when nature is in full bloom, bringing hopes for a peaceful new year and a bountiful harvest. During the New Year celebrations, in addition to solemn Buddhist rituals held at the pagoda, the Khmer people participate in many cultural activities, arts, and traditional games, creating a joyful and warm atmosphere. Venerable Chau Son Hy, Abbot of Sa Lon Pagoda in O Lam commune, said: “This year, the pagoda mobilized many social resources to support the people in celebrating the New Year joyfully and warmly. At the same time, we coordinated with the local government to organize cultural activities and traditional games, creating a cheerful atmosphere for the people.”

The festive atmosphere of Chol Chnam Thmay (Khmer New Year) permeates all localities with large Khmer populations, bringing joy and strengthening community solidarity. People are also conscious of celebrating the New Year in a thrifty and civilized manner, while preserving the traditional cultural values ​​of their ethnic group. Mr. Chau Rit, residing in Tri Ton commune, shared: “My family prepared the offerings to our ancestors very carefully and respectfully. Through this, we pray for a peaceful new year, favorable weather, and an increasingly prosperous and happy life.”

Besides the Chol Chnam Thmay New Year, the Khmer people also have many unique traditional cultural activities passed down through generations, such as the Sen Dolta and Ok Om Bok festivals, the Bay Nui bull racing festival, and the Ngo boat racing festival. Along with these are traditional dances, music , language, writing systems, folk rituals, and a rich treasury of folk literature. Traditional costumes and Khmer temple architecture are also unique cultural features that contribute to the community's distinct identity.

Every year, the Khmer ethnic group's cultural, sports , and tourism festival is organized with many rich cultural, artistic, and sporting activities, creating a space for exchange among artisans, performers, and athletes, thereby contributing to honoring and spreading the traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people. Over the years, the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people have always been a priority for local Party committees and authorities. From folk art forms and traditional festivals to culture and beliefs, all have been effectively preserved and promoted.

According to Phan Thanh Luong, Chairman of the People's Committee of O Lam commune, the implementation of ethnic programs and policies, especially the National Target Program for socio -economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2021-2030, has contributed to creating important resources for socio-economic development, improving people's lives, and promoting the preservation and promotion of the cultural identity of the Khmer people in the area.

The preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people are increasingly emphasized, meeting the cultural needs of the people. This contributes to enriching spiritual life and strengthening solidarity among ethnic groups in the province.

KHANH MY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/giu-gin-sac-mau-van-hoa-khmer-a483228.html