Ox racing festival in An Giang to be upgraded to international festival

The People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang has just approved a plan on the conservation and promotion of Bay Nui Ox Racing Festival, with an aim to develop it into an international festival.

Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival (Photo: VNA)
Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival (Photo: VNA)

According to Vice Chairman of An Giang People's Committee Le Van Phuoc, the funding for the implementation of this project for the 2020-2025 period is estimated at nearly VND5.8 billion.

The festival is part of the Sene Dolta, one of the most important annual festivals of the Khmer community in the southwest region, along with Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) and Ooc Oom Bok, a festival honouring the moon for a good harvest.

The oxen racing festival commemorates the merits of the Khmer’s ancestors while wishing for happiness and peace for their souls.

The event is held from the 30th day of the eighth lunar month until the second day of the ninth lunar month each year, falling on October 8-10 this year.

During the event, the Khmer people pay tribute to their ancestors and take part in activities with traditional songs and dances after a year of hard work.