Tra Vinh, a fertile land in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is renowned for its many scenic spots and as a province with a large Khmer ethnic population, accounting for nearly 32% of its total residents.
Every mid-April on the Gregorian calendar, the atmosphere across the province becomes more festive as the Khmer community celebrates Chol Chnam Thmay – the traditional New Year festival based on the ancient Khmer calendar. This year, the celebration lasts three days, from April 14 to 16, featuring many sacred rituals deeply imbued with cultural identity.
From early morning, hundreds of Khmer people, dressed in traditional attire, bring offerings to the monks, listen to chanting, and pray for peace.
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Monks perform rituals before the Buddha bathing ceremony. |
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The Buddha bathing ceremony is carried out solemnly. |
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Venerable Nhan Chanh sprinkles scented water and performs spiritual rituals of the Khmer people. |
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Venerable Nhan Chanh conducts the Buddha bathing ceremony. |
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Khmer people enthusiastically participate in the traditional rituals. |
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Every year, no matter how busy they are or how far they work from home, Khmer people never miss the most important Buddha bathing ritual of the year. |
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They believe that the ceremony helps wash away misfortunes and is an opportunity to express gratitude to the Buddha. |
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Khmer people pour scented water to pray for peace for their deceased loved ones at stupas in the pagoda grounds. |
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Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province. |
