Chol Chnam Thmay Festival - A unique cultural feature of the Khmer people

Buddha bathing ritual. Photo: Internet

Warm solidarity

Chol Chnam Thmay means “new year”. According to Khmer beliefs, this is the time of changing seasons, when all things grow, bringing freshness and hope for a peaceful new year and bountiful harvest. Tet is also an occasion for people to remember their ancestors, pray for health, peace and happiness for their families and communities. Chol Chnam Thmay is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Khmer ethnic minority. Tet takes place around mid-April of the solar calendar, marking the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season.

The Khmer people's Chol Chnam Thmay Festival 2025 takes place over 3 days, from April 14 to 16. In the jubilant atmosphere of the New Year, local Party committees and authorities have shown their deep concern for the Khmer ethnic minority community through organizing many practical and meaningful activities. On this occasion, the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee organized many delegations to visit, present gifts, and congratulate the Khmer ethnic minority people. At the places they visited, provincial leaders sent their best wishes to the monks, abbots, and Khmer people for a happy and joyful traditional New Year. At the same time, they acknowledged the positive contributions of the monks, abbots, and Khmer people in implementing local socio -economic development programs; affirming the concern of the Party, State, and authorities at all levels for the lives of the Khmer ethnic minority people. The visit deepened the humanistic meaning of the traditional Tet holiday of the people, and strengthened the solidarity between the Party committee, government and Khmer people.

In addition, a series of exciting cultural and sports activities and many health care programs were organized, creating a healthy playground and contributing to improving the spiritual life of Khmer people. Local mass organizations actively mobilized the community to join hands to support Khmer families in difficult circumstances, spreading the spirit of "mutual love and support". Along with that, propaganda and educational activities were promoted to help people better understand the viewpoints and policies of the Party and the laws of the State...

New Year's Eve dancing and singing. Photo : Internet

Cultural colors

In the bustling atmosphere of April, Khmer people in the villages joyfully welcome Chol Chnam Thmay. In the days before the New Year, ancient Khmer pagodas are splendidly decorated with colorful flags, sparkling lanterns and fresh flowers. On all the streets, people are excitedly shopping for new clothes, decorative items and meaningful gifts to give to each other, showing their care and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year. The cheerful laughter of people busy preparing delicious traditional dishes to offer to Buddha and to entertain guests.

Not only preparing materially, Khmer ethnic minorities also clean their houses and solemnly decorate their ancestral altars. This is an opportunity for everyone to show their respect to the deceased and pray for peace for their families. The spirit of solidarity and mutual love is clearly demonstrated through community activities, when neighbors join together to prepare for rituals at the pagoda and for fun and entertainment activities.

The bustling sound of Chhay-dam drums mixed with the cheerful laughter of the people, creating a cheerful, colorful picture. From early morning, people were excitedly preparing offerings, cleaning their houses, and decorating their ancestral altars. Colorful traditional costumes were worn, bringing with them pride in the national cultural identity. At the pagodas, the atmosphere became even more bustling. People respectfully offered incense and prayed for a peaceful and happy new year. Bright eyes and bright smiles expressed the joy of being immersed in the sacred atmosphere of Tet. Folk games took place vibrantly, attracting many people to participate. "In the evening, my family gathered around the dinner table, enjoying traditional dishes together. We told each other funny stories and exchanged good wishes, creating a warm atmosphere full of love" - Mr. Chau Kim Sanh (living in An Cu commune, Tinh Bien town) shared.

As the drums resounded from the pagodas, signaling the sacred New Year's Eve, Khmer ethnic minorities gathered in large numbers at the pagoda grounds to participate in traditional rituals. The Mahasangkran procession, Buddha bathing ceremony and prayers took place solemnly, expressing gratitude to Buddha and wishes for a good new year...

After the solemn ceremonies, the atmosphere of Chol Chnam Thmay Festival becomes vibrant and bustling with fun and entertainment activities imbued with Khmer cultural identity. The graceful Lam-Thon dances, the bustling Chhay-dam drums, and traditional folk games such as tug of war, stick pushing, and cow racing attract a large number of people and tourists to participate, creating a colorful cultural space.

With unique cultural features and optimistic spirit, Khmer ethnic people are joyfully welcoming Chol Chnam Thmay with joy and hope. This is an opportunity for them to be proud of their ethnic cultural identity, and at the same time contribute to enriching the multicultural picture of Vietnam. The vibrant colors of the festival, the bustling sound of drums and the bright smiles of the Khmer people will forever be beautiful impressions in the hearts of everyone who comes to An Giang during the traditional New Year of the Khmer ethnic people.

THU THAO

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tet-chol-chnam-thmay-net-van-hoa-dac-sac-cua-dong-bao-khmer-a418671.html