Chol Chnam Thmay Tet is a major festival of the Khmer people, sending wishes for a bumper crop and family peace. This is also an opportunity for reunion, tightening solidarity, preserving and transmitting good traditional cultural values.
In 2026, Tet takes place from April 14 - 16. During these days, Khmer people in Can Tho City gather at pagodas to perform traditional rituals, participate in cultural and artistic activities, according to VNA on April 16.
Prominent is the sand mountain building ritual, usually held on the third day of Tet at Khmer Nam Tong pagodas, which is meant to remind people to live virtuously, respect Buddha, respect monks, and maintain filial piety to grandparents and parents. According to the concept, each grain of sand cultivated symbolizes blessings, sending wishes for a new year of peace and prosperity.
On the morning of April 16, at Ochumwongsa Pagoda, Hoa Luu commune (Can Tho), a sand mountain erection ceremony took place, praying for grandparents and parents. Mr. Danh Nuoi - a resident of Hoa Luu commune - said that during the three days of Tet, despite being busy, he still returned to the pagoda with his family to celebrate Tet, perform rituals, pray for health, prosperity, and remember ancestors. After that, the family offered to the monks to create blessings for the new year, showing the spirit of solidarity and sharing.
Not only rituals, traditional cultural activities also contribute to creating the Tet atmosphere. Rom Vong dances and Khmer-inspired singing are organized at pagodas, attracting a large number of people to participate.
At Po Thi Vongsa Pagoda, Xa Phien commune, Mr. Danh Ky, - Head of the Aday singing club - said that on holidays such as Chôl Chnăm Thmây, Sen Dolta, Ok Om Bok, the pagoda organizes Rom Vong dances and Aday singing performances to serve people in phum, sóc. Aday singing has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, and musical instruments and costumes have been invested in. The club maintains practice and performances depending on member conditions to preserve and promote values, avoiding fading.
Can Tho City currently has over 411,000 Khmer people. Over the past time, activities to preserve and promote national cultural identity have been focused on. Traditional and religious festivals are organized in accordance with rituals, contributing to consolidating the great national unity bloc.
On the occasion of Tet, the city organizes meetings, visits, and congratulations to Khmer compatriots, dignitaries, officials, monks, reputable people and some Khmer Southern Buddhist pagodas, thereby strengthening the connection between the government and compatriots.
According to Mr. Lam Hoang Mau - Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Can Tho City, in the coming time, the city will continue to implement policies in the direction of integration, focus, and efficiency; focus on developing human resources, promoting vocational training associated with market demand; developing sustainable livelihoods through value chain production models, high-tech agriculture, community tourism, cultural economy; expanding preferential credit.
Along with that, the city integrates national target programs, develops synchronous infrastructure, prioritizes transportation, electricity, water, digital infrastructure in difficult areas; preserves culture associated with tourism development; improves management efficiency, perfects specific mechanisms and policies, strengthens decentralization, and improves the capacity of grassroots officials.
Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Nguyen Van Khoi said that in 2025, the city will effectively implement the National Target Program for socio-economic development of ethnic minority areas with a total capital of over 305 billion VND. Many traffic, education, and health projects are being built, along with credit sources to support people to develop the economy and improve their lives.
In the coming time, the City People's Committee will continue to direct sectors and localities to promptly implement guidelines and policies; accelerate the progress of programs and projects, especially 3 national target programs, to help ethnic minorities soon benefit from policies, improve material and spiritual life.
