Dugout canoes will return on the green race track

Looking forward to the Ok-Om-Bok Festival - Traditional Ngo Boat Race in 2025, many Khmer Theravada pagodas in Can Tho City have started preparations very early. Notably, instead of just using wooden boats like in recent years, some pagodas have decided to invest in building new dugout Ngo boats, affirming a new spirit and at the same time reviving the national cultural identity.

Bustling atmosphere at Chroi Tum Chas Pagoda (My Xuyen Ward) during the launching of the newly built dugout canoe to test its speed.

In the last days of August, the grounds of Chroi Tum Chas Pagoda (My Xuyen Ward) are unusually bustling. Under the shade of an ancient oil tree, the sound of chisels and wood planers echoes throughout the yard. Sweating profusely, artisans and workers diligently measure, trim, and chisel each stroke into a large block of star wood, stirring up the life from the lifeless tree trunk to gradually create a unique ngo boat.

Venerable Thach Benh, Abbot of Chroi Tum Chas Pagoda, shared: “This year, thanks to the cooperation of Buddhists, the pagoda invited artisans to build a dugout canoe over 30m long, carved from a single block of Sao tree trunk. This is not only a boat for racing but also a cultural symbol of the Khmer people.”

In addition, the temple also had workers repair old wooden boats for training. Since the new boats were gradually completed, the temple yard was bustling with laughter and whistles every afternoon. The coaching staff mobilized nearly 100 athletes to practice physical strength and practice techniques. Strong arms were raised in unison, shouting rhythms, simulating the movement of pulling the beam to the loud command.

Coach Son Thai Hien, who has been with the pagoda’s boat team for more than 10 years, said: “The spirit of the team is very high. The pagoda launched both the new and old boats into the Maspero River to test their speed. Everyone is excited and determined to bring glory to the pagoda and the locality.”

The dugout canoe is a traditional type of boat (no fishing rod) carved from a single block of large Sao tree trunk, over 30m long, with a capacity of over 60 rowers, and is always the pride of the Khmer people. To complete each boat, the artisans and builders must spend a month. Each boat is the crystallization of folk techniques of skillful and persistent hands, while preserving the memory of their ancestors.

Serey Kandal Pagoda (Vinh Phuoc Ward) also decided to invest in a dugout canoe this year. After completing the stages, Khmer artists are busy painting colorful patterns, turning the boat into a prominent work of art on the river. Venerable Thach Hong, abbot of the pagoda, expressed: "We are not only participating to compete for prizes but also want to bring back the dugout canoe as a part of the festival's memory for future generations to continue."

Currently, the investment in building new dugout canoes to prepare for traditional racing festivals is spreading to many Khmer pagodas in the city such as: Bang Kro Chap Thmay (Tan Thanh commune), Tuk Pray (Long Phu commune), Prek On Dok (Nhu Gia commune), Prek Ta Kuol (Gia Hoa commune), Bang Tone Sa (Tai Van commune)... Each canoe has an investment of over 500 million VND.

The return of dugout canoes alongside wooden boats at the Ok-Om-Bok Festival - Ngo Boat Race 2025 promises to bring exciting and unique competitions. More importantly, it is a continuation of tradition, affirming the enduring vitality of Khmer culture in the Southern region.

Article and photos: THACH PICH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nhung-ghe-ngo-doc-moc-se-tro-lai-tren-duong-dua-xanh-a190377.html