Celebrating the Chol Chnam Thmay New Year with great enthusiasm.

These days, the atmosphere of the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year is bustling throughout the Khmer villages and hamlets in the province. The Khmer people are busy cleaning their houses, preparing offerings, and decorating temples to welcome the new year, praying for favorable weather, a prosperous and happy life.

Monks at Rach Soi Pagoda and Buddhist followers in Rach Gia ward have completed laying tiles around the pagoda grounds in preparation for the New Year. Photo: DANH THANH

Preserving the beauty of traditional culture.

In early April, while cleaning her house to welcome the Chol Chnam Thmay New Year, Ms. Thi My Loan, residing in Xa Xia neighborhood, Ha Tien ward, shared: “Every year at this time, my family cleans the house thoroughly to welcome the New Year. I pray for a prosperous new year, good health for my children and grandchildren, and academic success.”

At Khmer Theravada Buddhist temples, monks and lay Buddhists work together to clean the grounds, tidy the main hall, and decorate with flags, flowers, and lanterns. A lively and warm atmosphere permeates everywhere. People bring items such as rice, sticky rice, fruits, and traditional cakes to prepare offerings for the main festivals. Venerable Chau Hac, Abbot of Tuk Phos Temple in Tri Ton commune, said: “The traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year is the most important occasion of the year for the Khmer people. Thorough preparation for the New Year not only shows reverence but also educates children to preserve the beautiful traditions of the nation.”

More than just a family reunion, Chol Chnam Thmay is a festival deeply rooted in the Khmer people's cultural identity. During the New Year celebrations, many traditional rituals are solemnly held at temples, such as the bathing of the Buddha statue, building sand mounds, and prayers for peace and salvation, attracting a large number of Buddhists. At Thu Nam Temple in Dong Thai commune, monks and Buddhists build sand mounds within the temple grounds – a ritual symbolizing the accumulation of merit and the hope for a peaceful new year, favorable weather, and a prosperous and happy life. "Building sand mounds during Chol Chnam Thmay is a traditional ritual with profound spiritual significance. During these days, the temple welcomes many Buddhists to participate in activities, contributing to preserving and promoting the beautiful cultural values ​​of the Khmer people," said Venerable Danh Thu, a monk at Thu Nam Temple.

Cultural and artistic activities, as well as folk games, are also organized enthusiastically, contributing to a joyful atmosphere and community bonding. Around 5 PM daily, the Soc Sau Pagoda's performing arts team in Go Quao commune returns to the pagoda to practice traditional five-tone music, preparing for activities during the Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations. The lively sounds of drums, trumpets, and stringed instruments fill the pagoda grounds, creating a cheerful atmosphere. "To better serve the activities during the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay Tet, the team members arrange their time and maintain regular daily practice. Despite busy work schedules, everyone is eager to participate because this is not only a passion but also a responsibility to preserve and promote traditional five-tone music ," said Danh Nghiep, the team leader of the Soc Sau Pagoda's performing arts team.

Taking care of the lives of people in difficult circumstances.

During the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year festival in 2026, the Patriotic Buddhist Monks' Solidarity Association of the province donated 500 gift packages to disadvantaged Khmer people in the area, with a total cost of over 400 million VND. Ms. Thi Hoa, residing in Chau Thanh commune, said: "These meaningful gifts have helped me alleviate some of my difficulties and given my family more motivation to strive for a stable life."

Along with the festive atmosphere of the New Year celebrations, the provincial authorities and departments are paying attention to the well-being of the Khmer people. The province organized numerous delegations to visit and extend New Year greetings to 40 temples and organizations belonging to the Khmer Theravada Buddhist community; and presented gifts to 40 exemplary religious leaders, 80 families receiving preferential treatment, and 30 retired Khmer officials in the province. Mr. Danh Phuc, Provincial Party Committee member and Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions, stated: “Organizing visits and gift-giving during the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year demonstrates the responsibility and affection of the Party committee and government towards the Khmer people, contributing to encouraging them to preserve and promote their ethnic cultural identity, actively engage in labor and production, and work together to build a more prosperous homeland.”

Amidst the vibrant spring atmosphere, Khmer villages in An Giang province seem to don a new look – cheerful, warm, and full of life. The Chol Chnam Thmay New Year not only brings the joy of family reunions but also ignites faith and aspirations for a peaceful and happy new year.

RENOWNED CITY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ron-rang-don-tet-chol-chnam-thmay-a482009.html