Joining the atmosphere of welcoming the Chol Chnam May Tet, the Khmer community in Dong Nai province enters the first days of the new year in a bustling and warm atmosphere. Traditional rituals such as worshiping Ong Ta, making silver flowers, and offering offerings at pagodas are solemnly organized, contributing to preserving cultural identity and strengthening community cohesion.
In Nha Bich commune, on April 12-13, the Tet atmosphere spread throughout the hamlets where Khmer people live. Families carefully prepared offerings to grandparents and ancestors, offerings to temples and pagodas with respect. From early morning, people were busy cleaning their houses, preparing traditional costumes, fresh flowers, and cakes to offer as offerings, sending wishes for a new year of peace, favorable weather, according to VNA.
Mr. Lam Mep (hamlet 5) said that the new atmosphere from the local government at two levels has contributed to making the Tet atmosphere more joyful and exciting. The attention and companionship of the government helps people feel secure in preserving and promoting national cultural identity.
One of the outstanding beauties is the custom of making silver flowers at home. The cotton plants are made from fresh flowers, colored paper and donation money, expressing sincerity and offering to the Buddha, praying for blessings. Mr. Lam Bao (hamlet 5) said that this activity usually takes place in the porch, where generations gather, together implement and share the meaning of sharing and gratitude. After that, silver flowers are offered to the pagoda on the main day of the festival, symbolizing the solidarity and consensus of the community.
Before Tet, the ritual of worshiping Mr. Ta is organized according to ancient customs. Groups of young people dress up, go to each alley to perform rituals to pray for peace for the village. Local functional forces supervise and guide ceremonial delegations to move in accordance with regulations, ensuring order and traffic safety.
Mr. Lam Hai (hamlet 5) said that this is a holiday with profound spiritual meaning, with incarnation activities to dispel bad luck of the old year. Mr. Lam Na, a reputable person in hamlet 5, emphasized that the Ong Ta worshiping ceremony is a traditional custom to pray for peace, health, and favorable harvests. He regularly guides his children and grandchildren to perform correct rituals, contributing to preserving cultural identity.
Chairman of Nha Bich Commune People's Committee (Dong Nai) Nguyen Hong Thai said that Chol Chnam Thmay Tet is a unique cultural feature of the Khmer people. This year, the locality promotes propaganda through cultural and community activities, and at the same time develops a long-term plan to maintain and promote traditional values.
Not only in Nha Bich, the Chôl Chnăm Thmây Tet atmosphere also spread in many localities in Dong Nai province. People celebrate Tet in a spirit of thrift and civilization; the work of ensuring security and order, and traffic safety is well implemented. These activities contribute to preserving and promoting cultural values, while strengthening solidarity in the Khmer community.
