A host of events were scheduled to celebrate ethnic Khmer people’s Ok-Om-Bok (worshipping the moon) festival in southern Tra Vinh province from November 20 to 25.
A fair on trade, industry and agriculture takes place as part of the festival at the province’s Culture Centre.
It is intended to promote trade and establish business links between enterprises from Tra Vinh and other localities, paving the way for local economic development and expanding export markets.
Du Ke, a style of musical theatre created by Khmer people in the early 1920s, also takes to the stage during the fair.
The province will host “ngo” boat (local traditional boat) races between teams from local districts and communes on November 24. A motor racing event will be organised by the Viet Nam Federation of Bicycle and Motorbike Sports the next day.
Additionally, a fair of signature products by Khmer people is held in Ao Ba Om (Madam Om Pond) historical and cultural relic site in Tra Vinh, alongside many other sport events and folk games.
A ceremony to celebrate the Ok-Om-Bok festival will take place on late November 25, featuring a moon-offering ritual performed by Khmer’s Anh Binh Minh arts troupe to thank God for favourable weather and bountiful crops.
Ok-Om-Bok is one of the three main festivals - along with Sene Dolta and Chol Chnam Thmay - that Khmer people celebrate every year and take place under the full moon in the 10th lunar month. The Khmer believe the moon is a God who controls the weather and crops throughout the year.
Each village organises their own festival in the courtyards of their local pagodas, while the large provincial festival is held at Ba Om pond cultural relic site. The festival features a number of entertainment opportunities, including art performances, traditional sports challenges and folk games.
According to the Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Tra Vinh is home to about 310,000 ethnic Khmer people. They make up 31 percent of the local population.