Chol Chnam Thmay Festival - A unique cultural feature of the Khmer people

Buddha bathing ritual. Photo: Internet

Warm solidarity

Chol Chnam Thmay means “entering the new year”. According to Khmer beliefs, this is the time of the changing seasons, when all things grow, bringing freshness and hope for a peaceful new year and bountiful harvests. Tet is also an occasion for people to remember their ancestors, pray for health, peace and happiness for their families and communities. Chol Chnam Thmay Tet is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Khmer ethnic minority. Tet takes place around mid-April of the solar calendar, marking the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season.

The Khmer people's Chol Chnam Thmay New Year 2025 will take place over 3 days, from April 14 to 16. In the jubilant atmosphere of the New Year, local Party committees and authorities have shown their deep concern for the Khmer ethnic minority community through organizing many practical and meaningful activities. On this occasion, the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee organized many delegations to visit, present gifts, and congratulate the Khmer ethnic minority people. At the places they visited, provincial leaders sent their best wishes to the Khmer monks, nuns, and people for a happy and joyful traditional New Year. At the same time, they acknowledged the positive contributions of the Khmer monks, nuns, and people in implementing local socio-economic development programs; affirming the concern of the Party, State, and authorities at all levels for the lives of the Khmer ethnic minority people. Through the visit, the humanistic meaning of the traditional Tet of the people has been deepened, and solidarity between the Party committee, government and the Khmer people has been strengthened.

In addition, a series of exciting cultural and sports activities and many health care programs were organized, creating a healthy playground and contributing to improving the spiritual life of Khmer people. Local mass organizations actively mobilized the community to join hands to support Khmer families in difficult circumstances, spreading the spirit of "mutual love and support". Along with that, propaganda and educational activities were promoted to help people better understand the viewpoints and policies of the Party and the laws of the State...

New Year's Eve dancing and singing. Photo : Internet

Cultural colors

In the bustling atmosphere of the April days, Khmer people in the villages joyfully welcome Chol Chnam Thmay. In the days before the New Year, ancient Khmer pagodas are splendidly decorated with colorful flags, sparkling lanterns and fresh flowers. On all the streets, people are excitedly shopping for new clothes, decorative items and meaningful gifts to give to each other, showing their care and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year. The cheerful laughter of people busy preparing delicious traditional dishes to offer to Buddha and entertain guests.

Not only preparing materially, Khmer ethnic minorities also clean their houses and solemnly decorate their ancestral altars. This is an opportunity for everyone to show their respect to the deceased and pray for peace for their families. The spirit of solidarity and “mutual love” is clearly demonstrated through community activities, when neighbors join together to prepare for rituals at the pagoda and for fun and entertainment activities.

The bustling sound of Chhay-dam drums mixed with the bustling laughter of the people, creating a cheerful and colorful picture. From early morning, people were busy preparing offerings, cleaning their houses, and decorating their ancestral altars. Colorful traditional costumes were worn, carrying pride in the national cultural identity. At the pagodas, the atmosphere became even more bustling. People respectfully offered incense and prayed for a peaceful and happy new year. Bright eyes and bright smiles expressed the joy of being immersed in the sacred atmosphere of Tet. Folk games took place lively, attracting many people to participate. "In the evening, my family gathered around the dinner table, enjoying traditional dishes together. We told each other funny stories and exchanged good wishes, creating a warm atmosphere full of love" - ​​Mr. Chau Kim Sanh (living in An Cu commune, Tinh Bien town) shared.

As the drums resound from the pagodas, signaling the sacred moment of New Year's Eve, Khmer ethnic minorities gather in large numbers in the pagoda grounds to participate in traditional ceremonies. The Mahasangkran procession, Buddha bathing ceremony and prayers take place solemnly, expressing gratitude to the Buddha and wishes for a good new year...

After the solemn ceremonies, the Chol Chnam Thmay atmosphere becomes vibrant and bustling with fun and entertainment activities imbued with Khmer cultural identity. The graceful Lam-Thon dances, the bustling Chhay-dam drums, and traditional folk games such as tug of war, stick pushing, and cow racing attract a large number of people and tourists to participate, creating a colorful cultural space.

With unique cultural features and an optimistic spirit, the Khmer ethnic minority people are joyfully welcoming Chol Chnam Thmay with joy and hope. This is an opportunity for them to be proud of their ethnic cultural identity, while contributing to enriching the multicultural picture of Vietnam. The vibrant colors of the festival, the bustling sounds of drums and the bright smiles of the Khmer people will forever be beautiful impressions in the hearts of everyone who comes to An Giang during the traditional New Year of the Khmer ethnic minority.

THU THAO

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tet-chol-chnam-thmay-net-van-hoa-dac-sac-cua-dong-bao-khmer-a418671.html