Go to Ro Pagoda to watch the bull racing festival.

For over 10 years, the bull racing festival at Ro Pagoda in An Cu commune has become a traditional event, attracting the attention of numerous tourists from within and outside the province. Although it remains a recreational activity at the pagoda, this event reflects the beautiful cultural traditions of the Khmer people during the annual Sene Dolta festival.

The atmosphere was lively.

The grounds of Ro Pagoda were packed with people on the day of the bull racing festival. They were tourists and photographers from within and outside the province, coming to learn about this traditional cultural sport of the Khmer people, as well as to find beautiful images to capture. For the local people, especially the Khmer, the Ro Pagoda bull racing festival was truly a celebration, bringing joy and excitement after days of hard work.

The bull racing festival at Ro Pagoda is attracting an increasing number of bull pairs to participate. Photo: THANH TIEN

According to Venerable Chau Soc Khonl, the head monk of Ro Pagoda, the bull racing festival originated a long time ago, when the Khmer people wanted to socialize with each other after working in the fields. Gradually, rules were established, and the scale of the game developed to its current size. “With the support of sponsors, I organize the bull racing festival so that the people have a place to play during the annual Sene Dolta festival. From just over 10 pairs of bulls participating in the first years, the tournament has expanded to 32 pairs in this 11th edition,” said Venerable Chau Soc Khonl.

Only by visiting the Ro Pagoda grounds on the day of the tournament can one truly feel the vibrant atmosphere characteristic of this place. For several days prior, the People's Committee of An Cu commune had sent personnel to assist the pagoda in preparing the grounds, cleaning the landscape, and decorating with flags and banners, creating a joyful festival atmosphere. On the day of the official tournament, the atmosphere became even more joyful. The simple smiles of the Khmer people, the stalls selling food, drinks, and clothing for festival-goers, and the cheerful calls in the pagoda grounds made anyone witnessing it want to join in the shared joy.

Mr. Chau Tech, a resident of Vinh Thuong hamlet, An Cu commune, couldn't hide his excitement: "Every year, people look forward to Sene Dolta to go to Ro Pagoda to watch the bull race. Like me, I never miss a year. Seeing more and more people come to watch makes me even happier, because the bull racing tradition of the Khmer people is loved by tourists. Thanks to the pagoda's enthusiasm and the local authorities' attention in organizing the bull race, the Khmer people have another joyful event to participate in."

Exciting competition

Responding to the audience's anticipation, the participating oxen competed with all their might. On the flooded racetrack, the carefully selected, well-cared for, and professionally trained oxen had the opportunity to prove their strength. After a leisurely round of assessing their opponents' abilities, the oxen entered the fiercely contested release round. The release round is the final sprint to the finish line, determining the winner of the race, so the audience eagerly awaited this moment.

In the arena, the oxen kick their hooves, splashing water everywhere. On the shore, the spectators cheer incessantly. The atmosphere at the racetrack is as vibrant as a professional football stadium. In exciting matches, where rivals compete fiercely, the cheers become even more enthusiastic. There are moments when oxen veer off the track while in a dominant position, causing spectators to gasp in disappointment. Nevertheless, these are part of the ox racing festival, adding diverse elements to the viewers' experience and enhancing the appeal of this culturally rich sport.

Having participated in controlling oxen at the Ro Pagoda ox racing festival for many years, Mr. Nguyen Van Bup, residing in Tinh Bien ward, shared: “Controlling the oxen to follow your will is not easy. Sometimes, the oxen get aggressive, running fast and trampling on the opponent's plow before reaching the allowed position, which is a violation and results in a loss. When the oxen run slowly, I have to urge them to keep up with the opponent. During the race, I have to control the ropes to prevent the oxen from veering in either direction, which is also a violation. Therefore, ox handlers need both technique and experience, as well as calmness to handle all situations in order to win.”

As the competition progresses to the later rounds, the matches become increasingly intense, as only the strongest pairs of oxen remain. Spectators therefore have more opportunities to witness exciting moments. This year, the ox racing festival at Ro Pagoda experienced unexpected rain showers, but this did not dampen the excitement in the arena. After taking shelter from the rain, spectators immediately returned to the arena in large numbers to cheer on the competing oxen.

Lam Van Ba, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of An Cu Commune and Head of the Organizing Committee, assessed that this year's tournament was well-organized. Many forces participated in organizing and managing the matches, ensuring security and order for the people and tourists attending the festival. “The participation of sponsors also motivates us to improve the quality of the tournament every year. We hope that the tournament will increasingly spread its influence, providing an attractive playground and contributing to preserving the traditional cultural beauty of the Khmer people in An Giang ,” Mr. Ba said.

Box: After fierce competition, the pair of oxen number 21 belonging to Mr. Thai Binh Nguyen, residing in Chi Lang ward, won first place; the pair of oxen numbered 15 belonging to Mr. Chau Thi, residing in An Cu commune, won second place; and the pair of oxen numbered 02 belonging to Mr. Chau Phi Rum, residing in An Cu commune, won third place. Mr. Nguyen Van Bup was awarded the prize for best ox handler.

THANH TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ve-chua-ro-xem-hoi-dua-bo-a427800.html