Traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year in Tra Vinh

Behind that excitement is the result of the process of implementing the policy of comprehensive development of the Khmer ethnic minority region, with the synchronous participation of the entire political system and the consensus and efforts of the people themselves.

Preserving traditional cultural beauty

Tra Vinh , a fertile land in the Southwest region, is famous for its many scenic spots and is a locality with a large Khmer ethnic population, accounting for nearly 32% of the province's population.

Every mid-April, the atmosphere everywhere becomes more bustling because of Chol Chnam Thmay Festival - the traditional New Year according to the ancient calendar of the Khmer people. This year, the festival lasts 3 days, from April 14-16, with many sacred rituals and rich national identity.

Many young people check-in at Khmer pagodas on the occasion of the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year.

Returning to Tra Cu district on the last day of Chol Chnam Thmay, Ban Ray Thmay pagoda (Ham Tan commune, Tra Cu district) solemnly performed the Buddha Bathing ceremony - a sacred ritual showing filial piety and community spirit.

Early in the morning, hundreds of Khmer people in traditional costumes brought rice to offer to monks, listened to the chanting, and prayed for peace. In the peaceful space, the five-tone music harmonized with the chanting, spreading the cultural identity of the nation.

Khmer people attend a memorial service for their deceased relatives.

Venerable Nhan Chanh, abbot of Ban Ray Thmay Pagoda, shared: “The Buddha bathing ceremony has profound moral and humanistic values. Each person who comes to the pagoda carries with them the thought of giving up bad things, vowing to live a good life, being filial to grandparents and parents, and uniting with the community.”

The monks performed a ceremony before the Buddha bathing ceremony.

As a Khmer youth studying and living in Ham Tan commune, Thach Thi Linh Chi, 24 years old, excitedly shared: "Every time I participate in the ceremony, I feel excited. The Buddha bathing ceremony is an opportunity for us to remember moral values, live in harmony, love and solidarity with each other, thereby preserving and promoting them in modern life."

The Buddha bathing ceremony is performed solemnly.

“This year, the pagoda is more spacious, the roads are cleaner, and people celebrate Tet more happily. I can clearly see that the lives of Khmer people are getting better and better. Thank you to the Party and the State for taking care of people like us so that we can have a prosperous life,” said Kim Ngoc Thanh, 46 years old, a local resident.

Venerable Nhan Chanh sprinkles fragrant water and performs religious rituals of the Khmer people.

Direction from resolution, spreading results

In recent years, thanks to the implementation of Resolution 06-NQ/TU of Tra Vinh Provincial Party Committee, the Khmer ethnic minority area has had many positive changes: infrastructure has been invested synchronously,education and health care have been improved, social security policies have been implemented effectively and to the right subjects.

Up to now, 100% of communes with Khmer people have escaped the category of being in extremely difficult circumstances; average income per capita has reached over 94 million VND/year; the poverty rate among Khmer people has decreased to 1.45%.

Mr. Thach Boi, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tra Vinh province emphasized: "Traditional festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay are a cultural bridge, helping to preserve national identity, while connecting the community, contributing to sustainable development".

Ms. Kim Sa Ri, a resident of Tra Cu district, shared: "Thanks to the attention of the Party, State and local authorities, our lives change every day, and Tet is more joyful."

The delegation of Tra Vinh Provincial People's Committee visited and congratulated Chol Chnam Thmay at Ang Pagoda.

Community Engagement – ​​Driving Force for Development

The traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year is a typical cultural festival of the Khmer people, and at the same time vividly demonstrates the spirit of great national unity.

The comprehensive development achievements of the Khmer ethnic minority region are a testament to the correct policies, the close leadership of the Party, and the efforts of the people. The Khmer ethnic minority in the South continue to preserve their identity, promote their traditions, and actively contribute to the construction of a rich and beautiful homeland.

Reporters recorded some images of people and tourists participating in the Buddha bathing ceremony on the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year at Ban Ray Thmay Pagoda:

Venerable Nhan Chanh performs the Buddha bathing ceremony.

Khmer people are excited about traditional rituals.

Every year, no matter how busy or far away they are working, Khmer people do not miss the most important Buddha bathing ceremony of the year.

They believe that the Buddha bathing ceremony will help dispel bad luck and is an opportunity to express gratitude to Buddha.

Khmer people sprinkle scented water to pray for the safety of their deceased relatives at the stupas in the pagoda.

Tourists from Ho Chi Minh City enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture in Tra Cu district, Tra Vinh province.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tet-co-truyen-chol-chnam-thmay-o-tra-vinh-post872899.html