Preserving the cultural heritage of the Khmer people.

The Chhay Dam drumming, folk dances, and traditional festivals are still preserved and passed down through many generations by the Khmer people in An Giang.

Passing on the Khmer cultural flame

One afternoon in O Lam commune, the lively sound of drums echoed from the grounds of Snaydonkum Pagoda (B52 Pagoda). Under the cool shade of trees, nearly 50 teenagers, aged 12 to 20, diligently practiced the Chhay Dam drum dance. More than just a cultural activity, this place has become a "special classroom" – where Khmer children are taught traditional art with the dedication of monks and knowledgeable individuals. To the rhythmic beat of the drums, the children recreated the Chằn dance – an art form associated with the Riêm Kê epic of the Khmer people. Through each powerful and decisive movement, the images of characters such as Prince Prệt Riêm, Princess Xây Đa, King Chằn Riếp, or the monkey god Hanuman came to life vividly, carrying a message of goodness, loyalty, and the spirit of triumphing over evil.

Khmer youth in O Lam commune practice the traditional Chhay Dam drum dance at Snaydonkum pagoda. Photo: DANH THANH

The highlight of Chhay Dam drum dance is the harmonious combination of music and traditional martial arts. Each drum beat is not just sound, but also recreates the heroic spirit, honoring the history and national spirit of the Khmer people. Chau Ne Som Nath (born in 2007), who plays the role of the Green Ogre, shared that learning this art form requires perseverance. The learning process begins with familiarizing oneself with the drum rhythm, which is the soul of Chhay Dam drum dance. Once they master the rhythm, they practice movements, expressions, and coordinate drumming to clearly express the essence of each character. The passion of the young generation contributes to keeping this art form from fading away. "Each practice session lasts 2-3 hours in the evening. Initially, I found it very difficult because the movements have to be strong and in time with the rhythm, but because I've loved the Green Ogre character since I was little, the more I practice, the more I enjoy it," Nath shared.

Besides being performed in temples, the Chhay Dam drum dance also appears at major festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Sene Dolta, Ok Om Bok, or community cultural events, becoming a bridge connecting generations in the villages.

When young people carry on the legacy

Venerable Chau Son Hy, Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Association in An Giang province, Vice President of the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of the province, and Abbot of Sra Lon Pagoda in O Lam commune, said that the lives of the Khmer people have seen many positive changes. Thanks to various policies, many classes teaching traditional culture and arts have been opened in localities. Art forms such as Chhay Dam drum dance, five-tone music, Du Ke singing, Ro Bam singing, etc., are gradually being preserved and promoted through coordination between provincial departments, commune authorities, and Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas in the province. “Cultural and sports activities such as Ngo boat racing, bull racing, folk art performances, and the restoration of traditional festivals… are maintained, not only contributing to the preservation of cultural identity but also linked to the development of community tourism, creating additional livelihoods for the people,” said Venerable Chau Son Hy.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion Danh Tha, in the process of integration, Khmer cultural identity remains enduring, becoming an important spiritual anchor and endogenous resource. This also demonstrates the Party and State's concern for ensuring the cultural rights of ethnic minorities, so that traditional values ​​continue to be preserved and spread through generations. Through specific policies and programs, the work of preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Khmer people is increasingly emphasized.

“In the coming time, the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions will continue to coordinate with relevant sectors and localities to support grassroots cultural institutions, preserve the spoken and written languages ​​and traditional festivals, and integrate the culture of ethnic minorities into modern life in a flexible and appropriate manner, while preserving their identity and meeting the requirements of sustainable development,” Mr. Danh Tha said.

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Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/giu-mach-nguon-van-hoa-khmer-a485261.html