In the vibrant atmosphere of the Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year 2026, in areas with Khmer Theravada temples, the sounds of drums, dances, and traditional rituals blend together, spreading the joy of the new year, contributing to strengthening community solidarity, and illuminating the cultural beauty of the border region.
Preserving the cultural essence of the villages and hamlets.
In mid-April, at Khmer temples in the communes of Hoa Hoi, Ninh Dien, Tan Dong, etc., people gathered in large numbers, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes.
The sampot skirts, checkered scarves, and indigo robes blend seamlessly with the earth and sky, creating a vibrant scene within the solemn and tranquil atmosphere of the temple.
Botum Kirirangsay Pagoda (also known as Khedol Pagoda), located in Binh Minh ward, is one of the typical Khmer pagodas in Tay Ninh province that still preserves the rich traditional cultural values of the Khmer people.
Abbot Kien So Phat of the temple said: Chol Chnam Thmay Tet is the most important New Year festival, an occasion to pray for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, a peaceful and happy life; and at the same time, to begin the new year with many good hopes and aspirations.
This is also an opportunity for people to express their filial piety to their ancestors and their gratitude to the Party and the State. In recent years, the Khmer people have always upheld civilized customs in their beliefs and religions; complied with policies and laws; and actively participated in patriotic emulation movements and local campaigns.
Amidst the resonant sounds of traditional music, rituals such as offering rice, bathing Buddha statues, and building sand mounds are solemnly performed, expressing reverence and wishes for a peaceful new year and a bountiful harvest.
The graceful folk dances and lively community games organized during the Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year create an atmosphere that is both sacred and joyful.
The Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year is also an occasion for the community to bond, prepare offerings together, decorate temples, and organize cultural activities. Traditional values are preserved not only through rituals but also through lifestyles and the way adults pass them on to the younger generation.
Mr. Danh Phuoc, a Khmer resident of Hoa Hoi commune, shared: “For us, Chol Chnam Thmay Tet is not only a time for rest but also a time for the whole family to reunite, go to the temple together to perform rituals, and pray for peace. These traditional rituals help our children understand more about their roots and the culture of our people.”
Ms. Thach So Phia from Ninh Dien commune expressed: “Every year during Tet, we wear traditional costumes, participate in singing and dancing, and play folk games. I always remind my children to preserve the Khmer language and customs, because it is a unique identity that we are very proud of.”
Besides cultural factors, the material lives of the Khmer people in Tay Ninh have seen many positive changes in recent years. Thanks to the attention of the Party, the State, and the government at all levels, infrastructure has been invested in, livelihoods have been supported, and many households have achieved stable lives. This change contributes to a more complete and prosperous Tet celebration.
As a festival of the Khmer people, the Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year is especially an occasion for ethnic groups in the area to exchange cultures and strengthen solidarity.
At the temples, large numbers of locals and tourists come to visit, experience the festive atmosphere, enjoy traditional cuisine , and immerse themselves in cultural activities.
Traditional folk games attract participants of all ages; the lively laughter and friendly handshakes contribute to an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie.
Paying attention to and caring for the lives of the Khmer people.
On the occasion of the Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year (April 14-16) in 2026, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province, Le Van Han, visited and extended New Year greetings at Hiep Phuoc Khmer Theravada Buddhist Pagoda (Hoa Hoi commune), Svay Pagoda (Ninh Dien commune), and the Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See, where a large number of Khmer people live and practice their faith.
At each destination, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee extended New Year wishes for peace and happiness to the monks and the people; and expressed his delight at the increasingly modern appearance of religious facilities and the continuously improving living standards of the people.
The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized that, over the years, the Provincial Party Committee and government have always paid attention to effectively implementing ethnic policies, contributing to improving the material and spiritual lives of the people. This is clear evidence when policies and guidelines are put into practice.
The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee expressed his wish that the monks and Buddhist clergy would continue to encourage Buddhists and the Khmer people to comply well with policies and guidelines, actively participate in patriotic emulation movements, preserve and promote traditional cultural identity, and contribute to building an increasingly prosperous homeland.
In the border regions of Tay Ninh, where many ethnic groups live together, the Chol Chnam Thmay Tet festival also carries the meaning of connecting the community, contributing to maintaining security and order, and building a grassroots cultural life.
The authorities, especially the Border Guard, always stand alongside the people in organizing festivals, ensuring safety, and at the same time supporting and caring for the lives of the people.
During the Lunar New Year holiday, while visiting and encouraging officers and soldiers of the Ninh Dien Border Guard Station, a unit stationed in the area where Svay Pagoda is located, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested the force to continue to promote its core role, maintain close ties with the people, and take care of the lives of people in the border area, especially ethnic minorities, including the Khmer people.
Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province, Le Van Han, emphasized that only with a stable border can the interior develop; therefore, functional forces need to proactively monitor the situation, effectively prevent all types of crimes and non-traditional security risks, and create a favorable environment for socio-economic development.
At the same time, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee acknowledged and highly appreciated the role of the people in the border area in crime prevention and control, and maintaining security and order through their active cooperation, information provision, participation in self-governance models, and contributions to the efforts of functional forces in firmly protecting territorial sovereignty.
The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also requested the Border Guard force to continue to play its role as a bridge connecting with the people, accompanying, sharing, and caring for the lives of people in border areas, especially the Khmer people, during traditional holidays and festivals.
Major Tran Duc Dung, Commander of Ninh Dien Border Guard Station, emphasized: The unit always strives to successfully complete all assigned tasks, especially the management and protection of border sovereignty, maintaining security and order in the border area; at the same time, regularly paying attention to, visiting, and encouraging the people during holidays and Tet, especially the Khmer people.
Amidst the vibrant colors of the Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year festival, the attention of the authorities and the spirit of community solidarity have contributed to creating a warm and meaningful New Year celebration in the border region of Tây Ninh.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ruc-ro-sac-mau-tet-chol-chnam-thmay-post1105315.vnp
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