Ngo boat launched overnight on Nhieu Loc canal, ready for festival in HCMC

In the middle of the night, Nhieu Loc Canal (Xuan Hoa Ward) suddenly became bustling with the launching of traditional Ngo boats of the Khmer people in the South in front of Chantarangsay Pagoda. This is an important preparation step for the Ngo boat racing festival that is about to take place on this historic canal.

The monks and the militia of Xuan Hoa Ward coordinated smoothly, pulling each boat nearly 15m long, weighing hundreds of kilos from the temple yard to Hoang Sa Street. This stage required consensus and collective strength.

Before launching, the masters and artisans meticulously checked every detail, ensuring each boat was stable and complete when entering the competition.

These high-quality Ngo boats are built by artisans from Soc Trang, Tra Vinh and many other localities, carrying the quintessence of traditional crafts.

Venerable Chau Hoa Thai, Deputy Abbot of Chantarangsay Pagoda, said that this year's Ngo boat festival in Ho Chi Minh City was organized on a larger scale and more professionally, with the support of two-level authorities and careful preparation three months in advance.

The festival received the approval and support of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports , promising to bring the unique traditions of the Khmer people closer to the city's people.

The activity of launching Ngo boats at Chantarangsay Pagoda attracted the attention of many locals and tourists. Mr. Bruno (French) shared: "This is the first time I have seen this type of boat in Vietnam. Seeing their traditional beauty, I decided to stay and watch these monks transport each boat down the canal."

The lights reflected on the boat's hull were brilliant, creating a bustling yet solemn scene in the middle of the night before the festival's opening day.

A week before the festival, Chantarangsay Pagoda was bustling with monks and artisans busy painting and repairing the dragon boats that would compete on Nhieu Loc Canal.

In the temple yard, eight Ngo boats are neatly arranged, showing off their colors under layers of brilliant paint. The pointed bow of the boat is shaped like a dragon, the body of the boat is covered with wavy scale patterns. Each boat is painted with two layers of primer before being carefully painted by artisans with elaborate details such as dragon snakes, Naga gods, Krut birds, mermaids, elephants, tigers, horses or crocodiles... these are guardian creatures, symbolizing strength in the beliefs of the Khmer people.

Venerable Danh Da Quy said it takes nearly half a month to complete a ngo boat. Just the process of painting and adjusting every detail on the boat takes more than a day of continuous work.

Each ngo boat is a part of the soul and pride of the Khmer people. After completing the final coats of paint, the monks of Chantarangsay Pagoda carefully cover the boat with a tarpaulin to protect it from the sun and rain, preserving the boat's body to be bright and new until the opening ceremony.

The 2025 Xuan Hoa Cup Ngo Boat Racing Festival will take place on November 30, on a larger scale than every year, gathering 18 professional Ngo boat racing teams from provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta with a tradition of Ngo boat racing.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/xuyen-dem-ha-thuy-ghe-ngo-o-kenh-nhieu-loc-san-sang-cho-le-hoi-tai-tphcm-20251126013501617.htm