The first day of Chôl Chnăm Thmây Tet marks the transition moment between the old year and the new year according to ancient astrological rules. The Maha Sangkrant parade ceremony expresses folk beliefs about the rotation of world rule by the seven goddesses - daughters of Great Pham Thien.
According to VNA, at Mahatup Pagoda (Doi Pagoda), Phu Loi ward, Can Tho city, from early morning, a large number of Buddhists brought rice and offerings to offer to monks and nuns, reciting the three-entrance scriptures and observing the five realms.
After that, the monks continued to chant sutras to pray for liberation, redirecting blessings to benefactors and the deceased, with the wish that the deceased would soon be born into the good realm.
Kru Achar Thach Sen (the ritual guide at the pagoda) said that this year, the moment the goddess descends to take over the world takes place at 10:45 am, the third day, 12 roch, Chet'ra month according to the Khmer calendar, which is April 14, 2026 (Gregorian calendar). This is the transition time from the old year to the new year. This year's Buddhas wear dark brown robes, ears with lotus flowers; left hand holding an bow, right hand holding a trishula.
On this occasion, 4 young men who are children of Khmer compatriots are determined to become monks, performing the Quy Y ceremony at the main hall, showing the spirit of pursuing goodness and continuing the cultural and religious traditions of the nation.
During the ritual, Buddhists line up neatly, parading three times around the main hall to carry the Maha Sangkrant. Each person holds incense, candles, lotus flowers and offerings to the pagoda.
After completing the ritual at the pagoda, people return to their families to prepare offerings, perform the ritual of inviting the heavens at the beginning of the year according to traditional customs, praying for family peace, prosperous life, and bumper crops.
Ms. Thach Thi Kim Sang, in hamlet 5, Phu Loi ward, said: "On this occasion every year, I wrap banh tet and cook many types of cakes and dishes to worship ancestors, partly and the rest for my children and grandchildren to enjoy during the traditional Tet holiday.
During the traditional Tet holiday, offerings to the celestial bodies are indispensable. I usually prepare a few days in advance to arrange offerings on the table and place them solemnly in front of the house. The offerings must also be suitable for each year, showing respect for the celestial bodies who come down to take over the world," Ms. Kim Sang shared.
Entering the new year, Khmer people send their wishes to the celestial protection, helping life to be smooth sailing, avoiding hardships and diseases, towards a prosperous and happy life.
