On the occasion of the Khmer New Year (Chôl Chnăm Thmây) in 2026, many vibrant activities, rich in traditional cultural identity, took place in Vinh Long province, attracting a large number of people and contributing to strengthening the spirit of national unity.
At Gia Kiet New Pagoda (My Thuan hamlet, Tra Con commune), the Standing Committee of the Provincial Youth Union and the Secretariat of the Vietnam Youth Union Committee of Vinh Long province organized the Ethnic Youth Cultural Festival to celebrate Chol Chnam Thmay 2026. The organizing committee presented 20 gifts to ethnic youth families in difficult circumstances and 20 scholarships to underprivileged children with excellent academic achievements in Tra Con commune.
The Ethnic Youth Cultural Festival took place in a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere with cultural performances showcasing the unique cultural identity of the Khmer people of Southern Vietnam, along with many traditional games such as sack racing, stick pushing, and jump rope. Many young people and children enthusiastically participated in the experiential activities, and local people also actively responded, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere leading up to the New Year.
Ms. Thach Kim Hui (from Tra Con commune) said that during Tet, youth union members and young people came to organize very beneficial recreational activities. The atmosphere of Tet this year is more joyful than in previous years, with recreational and cultural activities taking place right at the moment when people come to the temple to welcome the new year, making it very lively and exciting.
According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nha, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union and President of the Vietnam Youth Union of the province, in recent times, youth work in ethnic minority areas has been effectively implemented by all levels of the Youth Union and Youth Association. Many programs supporting social welfare, economic development, infrastructure construction, and cultural and sports activities have been implemented, contributing to improving the material and spiritual lives of the people.
The 2026 Ethnic Youth Cultural Festival celebrating Chol Chnam Thmay is not only an activity to welcome the new year but also an opportunity to promote traditional cultural values, strengthen national unity, and demonstrate the role of young people in connecting community cultural values.
In the coming period, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Youth Union will direct grassroots Youth Union branches to continue strengthening political and ideological propaganda and education; proactively advise Party committees and authorities on identifying, training, and nurturing Youth Union and Association cadres from ethnic minority groups; and mobilize young people to actively preserve and promote cultural identity, contributing to building new rural areas and civilized urban areas.
On the same day, at Chua Moi Pagoda (Thon Ron hamlet, Tra Con commune), the Vinh Long Provincial Women's Union organized a community-based banh tet-making program to celebrate the Tet holiday for soldiers and civilians, associated with the Chol Chnam Thmay Tet.
From early morning, many women's association members, local people, and officers and soldiers of the armed forces were present, preparing ingredients and wrapping cakes together in a lively and warm atmosphere. Many people came to the temple to perform the New Year's rituals while also helping out, contributing to the warm and affectionate atmosphere of togetherness.
According to Nguyen Thi Hong Hoa, Vice President of the Vinh Long Provincial Women's Union, the community-based banh tet-making program has mobilized the active participation of officials, soldiers, union members, women, and local people.
The program aims to promote solidarity and unity within the community, while also working together to care for families entitled to preferential policies and ethnic minority women in difficult circumstances.
Throughout the day, approximately 700 sticky rice cakes (bánh tét) were wrapped and donated, contributing to the preservation of traditional culinary culture and spreading the spirit of sharing within the community.
On this occasion, the Tra Con Commune Youth Union launched the "Youth Club for the Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Identity of the Khmer Ethnic Group" in Tra Con Commune, contributing to creating an environment for young people to preserve the language, writing system, dance art, and traditional cultural values of the ethnic group.
Chôl Chnăm Thmây is the traditional New Year of the Khmer people, taking place over three days this year, from April 14-16, 2026. This is an occasion for the Khmer people to express gratitude to their ancestors and deities, and to pray for a new year of favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.
With the attention of the local authorities, many activities have been held in recent days to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) for the people, creating a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the villages. These Tet activities not only create a vibrant atmosphere but also contribute to strengthening the solidarity between the military and the people, promoting the strength of national unity.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/vinh-long-ron-rang-dam-am-tet-chol-chnam-thmay-post1104854.vnp
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