Phum Soc in Spring

These days, the Khmer people of Dinh Hoa commune are joyfully awaiting the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 with faith and hope for a prosperous and happy new year.

Dinh Hoa commune is one of the localities with a large ethnic minority population, accounting for 51.67% of the population, primarily the Khmer people. For a long time, the Khmer people have considered the Lunar New Year as their national holiday. The Khmer people also have the custom of planting apricot blossom trees in front of their houses. When the apricot blossoms bloom in abundance, the Khmer villages are bustling with preparations for the arrival of spring, filled with joyful and meaningful cultural and artistic activities that strengthen community solidarity.

A family in Dinh Hoa commune is pruning the leaves of their apricot blossom tree, preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year). Photo: CAM TU

According to Mr. Ngo Thanh Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dinh Hoa commune, with the attention of the Party, the State, and the local government, the lives of the Khmer people in the commune have changed significantly. The economy has developed, houses are more spacious, infrastructure is gradually being invested in and built comprehensively, and the people's lives are improving. The atmosphere of welcoming the New Year is also more joyful and exciting. To ensure everyone and every family can celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year), the Party Committee and People's Committee of Dinh Hoa commune pay attention to caring for the people in the area, mobilizing organizations and philanthropists to support and donate many gifts to help poor and near-poor households, and households with difficult circumstances, including poor Khmer people, so that they can celebrate the spring festival and Tet.

Sharing in the joy of welcoming the new year, during the Tet holiday, some Khmer Theravada Buddhist temples also organize cultural and artistic activities, folk games, etc., creating a lively and bustling Tet atmosphere. All of this takes place in a peaceful setting, reflecting the increasingly prosperous new life, the spirit of unity, and the aspirations for a bright future of the Khmer people.

According to Mr. Son Uol (69 years old), residing in Hoa Hon hamlet, about half a month before the Lunar New Year, the festive atmosphere was already pervading the village. Everyone was cleaning and decorating their houses and weeding to keep the common paths clean. “Like the Kinh people, we believe that cleaning and beautifying our homes for Tet will bring good fortune in the new year. The Lunar New Year is the most special occasion of the year for my family to reunite and create many memories together. Because the Tet holiday is longer than other festivals, my children who work far away come home to celebrate together, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and making the house feel very warm and cozy!” said Mr. Son Uol.

Ms. Danh Thi Nga Vi, residing in Hoa Thanh hamlet, said: “The Khmer people consider the Lunar New Year as important as the Sene Dolta or Chol Chnam Thmay festivals. Every year, the atmosphere of spring festivities in the hamlet is lively and bustling, with people strictly adhering to security and order regulations during celebrations, all aiming for a joyful and peaceful spring. Neighbors exchange New Year greetings and pray for good fortune and luck in the new year.”

A special feature of the Khmer New Year celebration is visiting temples to worship Buddha, listen to scriptures, pray for peace, and ask for blessings on the first day of spring. The Khmer people also offer sacrifices to their ancestors and celebrate New Year's Eve. The rituals of honoring ancestors, gathering at the ancestral temple, and children wishing their grandparents and parents a happy new year have become cultural traditions preserved through generations in many families.

In Hoa Ut hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune, solidarity between the Kinh and Khmer people has become a long-standing tradition through their mutual support in times of need. During the New Year, neighbors visit each other, exchange good wishes, and share festive meals. This close and enduring relationship is naturally nurtured through daily life and special holidays.

The Khmer people's joyful celebration of the Lunar New Year not only reflects cultural exchange but also strengthens the bonds of national unity. People of all ethnic groups share a common rhythm, celebrating the spring, welcoming the New Year, and wishing for the best as the Year of the Horse approaches.

CAM TU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/phum-soc-vao-xuan-a476517.html