Solemn Moon worship ceremony of Khmer people in Can Tho

On the evening of November 4, at Khleang Pagoda ( Soc Trang Ward, Can Tho City), the Moon Worshiping Ceremony of the Khmer people took place, one of the activities within the framework of the Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo Boat Racing in Can Tho City in 2025.

Altar with decorations that carry many spiritual meanings. Photo: TTTĐ

The Moon Worshiping Festival is one of the three biggest festivals of the Khmer people, held on the full moon day of the 10th lunar month every year to thank the Moon - the god who has given them a bountiful harvest and a prosperous life. This is also an occasion for the Khmer community to gather together, remember their ancestors and pray for favorable weather and a peaceful life.

The spiritual meaning of the Moon Worship Ceremony is expressed through offerings and decorations such as: 2 pillars as a gate symbolizing the cosmic belt; the offering table symbolizing the earth; 2 sugarcanes symbolizing fertility and growth.

In addition, 3 candles placed on the gate symbolize 3 seasons of the year (sunny, cool, rainy); 12 betel leaves are hung on both sides of the gate, symbolizing 12 months of the year and 12 zodiac animals; 7 bee-shaped fruits symbolize 7 days of the week. 30 betel leaves placed on the right side of the altar symbolize a full month; 29 betel leaves placed on the left side of the altar symbolize a short month.

In the space filled with moonlight, the Moon worshiping ceremony conducted by the Achar took place solemnly, in accordance with the traditional customs of the Khmer people.

Monks and people burn incense, offer gifts, and show their respect to the gods. Along with the ceremony is the performance of pounding flat rice, a traditional activity that bears the mark of the Ooc Om Boc festival, attracting a large number of viewers.

Monks and Achar perform the Moon worship ceremony. Photo: Kim Ngoc

Speaking at the 2025 Moon Worshiping Ceremony, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City Nguyen Minh Tuan said that the Moon Worshiping Ceremony is not only a typical religious custom, but also an activity that contributes to preserving and promoting the value of the intangible cultural heritage of the Khmer people.

This year's Moon Worshiping Ceremony is part of the Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo Boat Racing, contributing to creating a bustling, colorful atmosphere imbued with the identity of the Mekong Delta. This is not only a cultural and religious event, but also a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of Khmer cultural heritage in the heart of modern and dynamic Can Tho City.

Source: https://congluan.vn/trang-nghiem-le-cung-trang-cua-dong-bao-khmer-can-tho-10316633.html