The event was attended by many diplomatic representatives and international organizations such as Mr. Chan Sorykan - Consul General of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City and his wife, Ms. Thong Loune Khao Sa At - Consul of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nguyen Van Trieu - Vice President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association… along with a large number of Khmer people living, studying and working in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Tra Cuon sticky rice cake stall attracted many visitors who came to see and enjoy the taste. Photo: Ho Lam
Speaking to a reporter from Vietnam Women's Newspaper, Mr. Kim Ron Tha - Head of the Organizing Committee - said that this is the 6th year the program has been organized (starting in 2018).
This year, the program was not only a community gathering but also a cultural space for diverse connections. Besides the interaction between the Khmer community and businesses, familiar Khmer dishes such as noodle soup, Bok Lahong, and flattened rice cakes were showcased at the stalls, helping attendees better understand the beauty of the community's culinary culture.
Noodle soup stall. Photo: Ho Lam
Notably, according to the Organizing Committee, this is also the first time the Khmer Awards 2026 program has been launched to honor individuals who have made positive contributions to the Khmer community.
According to Thach Thao, a Khmer participant in the program, Chol Chnam Thmay Tet means the Khmer New Year. "Usually, about a week after Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival), it's Tet. This is an occasion for people to go to the temple, pray for the souls of their ancestors, and wish for a peaceful new year," he shared.
For Khmer people living far from home, the significance of Chol Chnam Thmay Tet extends far beyond a mere ritual. It is an opportunity to reunite with fellow countrymen, speak their native language, and reenact familiar cultural customs.
Therefore, through this event, the Organizing Committee hopes to preserve cultural identity, strengthen community bonds, and promote sustainable development in the context of integration. "Not only do we aim for preservation, but we also expect Khmer culture to continue to be revitalized and vividly present in modern life," said Mr. Kim Ron Tha.
Bok Lahong is displayed at a booth during the event. Photo: Ho Lam
According to Mr. Kim Ron Tha, the program will continue to expand in scale and content in the future. Khmer folk cultural, artistic, and sporting activities will be organized in a more diverse way, attracting a wider range of participants.
Furthermore, increasing the participation of the younger generation is identified as a crucial factor in preserving and continuing traditional values. Simultaneously, the program also aims to promote exchanges with other ethnic communities in Ho Chi Minh City to disseminate Khmer culture more widely.
Trays of Tra Cuon sticky rice cakes, a specialty of Tra Vinh (now Vinh Long province), were served at a family gathering. Photo: Ho Lam
"The long-term goal is to build this program into a cultural and community-building platform for the Khmer people in urban areas, with a positive impact on society."
"We hope this will be a space where every Khmer person, no matter where they live, feels connected and proud of their roots," Mr. Kim Ron Tha expressed.
Many traditional Khmer dances and songs were performed right at the entrance to the event. Video: Ho Lam
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/giu-lua-tet-chol-chnam-thmay-cua-dong-bao-khmer-giua-long-do-thi-238260404205000892.htm
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