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The Khmer people of Ca Mau have many unique traditional cultural values ​​expressed through temple architecture, beliefs, folk festivals and performing arts . Preserving and promoting festivals associated with tourism development will contribute to spreading and preserving the sustainable vitality of the traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people in modern life.

The Khmer ethnic group in Ca Mau has a unique cultural identity, from customs, rituals to traditional art forms...

In particular, the Cau An festival (Panh Kom San Srok) is not only a folk religious ritual but also a community cultural space, a place to show the solidarity and good traditions of the Khmer people.

Held after the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay festival, the Cau An festival takes place over 2 days, the time of which is determined by the Achar in the village every year. The ceremony is performed by monks and Achar, with the ritual of inviting the gods, worshiping the Three Jewels, opening the prayer for peace and the ritual of building sand mountains, expressing repentance and respect. The festival part with folk games creates a joyful and exciting atmosphere in the community. Along with that, people in the village organize cultural exchanges such as performances of big drum music, du ke stage, pentatonic music...

Many people in the village participate in the Praying for Peace festival.

Holding a special role in the spiritual life of the Khmer people, the Cau An festival is a vibrant cultural space, preserving and transmitting precious traditional values. This is also an opportunity for the community to strengthen the spirit of solidarity, mutual love, and join hands to preserve the national cultural identity . During the holidays, people in the hamlet meet, ask about health, exchange production experiences, and pray for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, good crops, and a prosperous life. This is also an opportunity for everyone to rest, have fun, and recharge their spiritual energy before entering the harvest season, starting a year of work full of faith and hope.

Sacred space of the Praying for Peace festival at Cay Kho hamlet, Ho Thi Ky commune.

To preserve and promote the value of the Cau An festival in modern life, avoiding the risk of fading away, it is necessary to link this heritage with the development of community cultural tourism. The organization of the festival should aim to both preserve the original religious identity and create a highlight to attract tourists to experience the Khmer cultural space. Along with that, it is necessary to focus on teaching rituals, performing arts, and folk games to the young generation; collecting and documenting intangible cultural values; promoting the role of pagodas, monks and folk artists.

When living in the heart of the community and in harmony with the rhythm of sustainable tourism development, the Cau An festival will contribute to spreading the cultural identity of the Khmer ethnic group in particular and the colorful culture of the southernmost land of the Fatherland in general./.

Tang Vu Khac

Source: https://baocamau.vn/khai-thac-tiem-nang-du-lich-tu-le-hoi-a124088.html