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

The ritual of bathing the Buddha statue. Photo: Internet

Deepening solidarity

Chol Chnam Thmay means "entering the new year." According to Khmer beliefs, this is a time of transition, when all things flourish, bringing freshness and hope for a peaceful new year and a bountiful harvest. The festival is also an occasion for people to remember their ancestors and 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. It takes place around mid-April, marking the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season.

The Khmer New Year (Chôl Chnam Thmay) in 2025 took place over three days, from April 14th to 16th. In the festive atmosphere of the New Year celebration, local Party committees and authorities demonstrated their deep concern for the Khmer ethnic minority community through the organization of many practical and meaningful activities. On this occasion, the Provincial Party Committee, Provincial People's Council, Provincial People's Committee, and Provincial Fatherland Front Committee organized numerous delegations to visit, present gifts, and offer congratulations to the Khmer ethnic minority. At each location visited, provincial leaders extended their best wishes to the monks, ancestral priests, and the Khmer people for a happy and joyful traditional New Year. They also acknowledged the positive contributions of the monks, ancestral priests, 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. Through this visit, the humanistic significance of the traditional Tet holiday of the Khmer people was deepened, and the solidarity between the Party committee, the government, and the Khmer people was strengthened.

In addition, a series of vibrant cultural and sports activities and numerous health care programs are organized, creating a healthy environment and contributing to improving the spiritual life of the Khmer people. Local organizations actively mobilize the community to support Khmer families in difficult circumstances, spreading the spirit of "mutual support and compassion". Along with this, propaganda and educational activities are intensified to help people better understand the viewpoints and policies of the Party and the laws of the State...

Dancing and singing to celebrate the New Year. Photo : Internet

Cultural Colors

In the vibrant atmosphere of April, the Khmer people in their villages joyfully celebrate Chol Chnam Thmay (Khmer New Year). In the days leading up to the new year, ancient Khmer temples are beautifully decorated with colorful flags, shimmering lanterns, and fresh flowers. Along the streets, people eagerly shop for new clothes, decorations, and meaningful gifts to exchange, expressing care and good wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year. The air is filled with the cheerful laughter of people busily preparing delicious traditional dishes to offer to Buddha and to entertain guests.

Besides preparing materially, the Khmer ethnic minority also cleans their houses thoroughly and decorates the ancestral altars respectfully. This is an opportunity for everyone to show their reverence for the deceased and pray for peace for their families. The spirit of solidarity and mutual support is clearly demonstrated through community activities, as neighbors work together to prepare for the rituals at the temple and for recreational activities.

The resounding drumbeats of Chhay-dăm blend with the lively laughter and chatter of the people, creating a vibrant and colorful scene. From early morning, everyone eagerly prepares offerings, cleans their houses, and decorates the ancestral altars. People don vibrant traditional costumes, carrying with them pride in their national cultural identity. At the temples, the atmosphere becomes even more bustling. People respectfully offer incense and pray for a peaceful and happy new year. Their radiant eyes and bright smiles reflect the joy of being immersed in the sacred atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Traditional folk games are played enthusiastically, attracting many participants. “In the evening, my family gathers around the dinner table, enjoying traditional dishes together. We share joyful stories and exchange good wishes, creating a warm and loving atmosphere,” shared Mr. Chau Kim Sanh (resident of An Cu commune, Tinh Bien town).

As the resounding drums echo from the temples, signaling the sacred moment of New Year's Eve, the Khmer ethnic minority people gather in large numbers in the temple courtyard to participate in traditional ceremonies. The Mahasangkran procession, the Buddha bathing ritual, and prayer sessions take place solemnly, expressing gratitude to the Buddha and wishes for a prosperous new year...

After the solemn ceremonies, the atmosphere of Chol Chnam Thmay Tet becomes vibrant and lively with fun and entertainment activities that reflect the unique Khmer culture. The graceful Lam-Thon dances, the lively Chhay-dam drums, and traditional folk games such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, and bull racing attract large numbers of locals and tourists, creating a colorful cultural space.

With their unique cultural beauty and optimistic spirit, the Khmer ethnic minority people are joyfully celebrating Chol Chnam Thmay New Year with happiness and hope. This is an opportunity for them to be proud of their ethnic cultural identity, while also contributing to enriching the multicultural landscape of Vietnam. The vibrant colors of the festival, the lively sounds of the drums, and the bright smiles of the Khmer people will forever remain beautiful impressions in the hearts of everyone who visits An Giang during the traditional New Year of the Khmer ethnic minority.

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