A“ngo” boat (local traditional boat) race of Khmer people. (Source: VNA)Tra Vinh (VNA) – Thousands of residents and monks from 142 local Khmer pagodas took part in Ok-Om-Bok (worshipping the moon) festival at Ao Ba Om (Madam Om Pond) relic site in southern Tra Vinh province on November 25 night.
The festival was recognised as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism last year.
Speaking at the event’s opening, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Kim Ngoc Thai said he hopes that the province’s authority and people would continue preserving unique values of the Ok-Om-Bok festival, contributing to the development of an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with traditional characteristics.
Ok-Om-Bok is one of the three main festivals of Khmer people – along with Sene Dolta and Chol Chnam Thmay – which takes place under the full moon in the 10th lunar month annually. The Khmer believe the moon is a God who controls the weather and crops throughout the year.
On this occasion, Khmer people provide offerings to thank the God’s blessing for favourable weather and their bountiful crops.
At this year’s festival, the moon-offering rituals were recreated on stage by Anh Binh Minh Khmer art troupe.
Previously, a series of events also took place to celebrate the festival, including a fair on trade, industry and agriculture, “ngo” boat (local traditional boat) races between teams from local districts and communes, a volleyball tournament and folk games.-VNA
