Chol Chnam Thmay Tet is not only a moment of transition from the old year to the new year, but also a sacred occasion for Khmer people to turn to their roots, pray for peace and preserve traditional values that have been nurtured through many generations.
For a long time, Chol Chnam Thmay Tet has become one of the most important festivals in the spiritual life of Khmer people in the South. When the weather changes seasons around mid-April of the solar calendar, Khmer pagodas are bustling preparing to welcome the new year.
The humanistic meaning of Chôl Chnăm Thmây Tet is clearly expressed through the concept of a new cycle of time. The New Year not only marks the changes of heaven and earth but is also an opportunity for people to refresh their spirits, put aside unhappy things, and move towards a better life.
In Ho Chi Minh City, this year's Chôl Chnăm Thmây Tet is held for 3 days, April 14-16 (not to mention the preparation work in many previous days) with many rituals imbued with Buddhist and traditional culture colors. At Khmer pagodas, the Tet atmosphere takes place solemnly with chanting sutras, Buddhist flags flying in the wind and crowds respectfully offering flowers and offerings.
Besides religious rituals, Khmer people also organize many cultural activities such as singing, traditional dances, praying for peace, praying for liberation... creating a space that is both sacred and bustling.
A characteristic is the custom of tying red threads to hands, a symbol of luck and peace in the new year. Rituals such as offering flowers, lighting candles or bathing Buddha all carry the meaning of purifying the soul, guiding people to purity and goodness.
Not only is it the traditional Tet of the Khmer community alone, Chol Chnam Thmay also contributes to enriching the cultural picture in Ho Chi Minh City. This is an opportunity for traditional values to be honored and spread in modern life.
