The Khmer community in the southern provinces of Hau Giang and Soc Trang are celebrating their Sene Dolta festival, a major event of the ethnic group to remember ancestors, with both traditional rituals and social activities.
A ceremony held as part of Sene Dolta festival in Vi Thuy district of Hau Giang province
The festival is held between the 29th day of the 8th lunar month to the first day of the 9th lunar month, which fall on October 8-10 this year.
Before the festival, Khmer families clean their houses and prepare ingredients for offerings, which are usually traditional cakes and dishes. The festival is an occasion for all members of families to gather to pay tribute to ancestors
Local Buddhist pagodas also got a facelift as they are the place where praying and tribute rituals are held.
On the occasion, local authorities hold art and sports activities to add to the festive atmosphere. Local officials also visit pagodas and poor Khmer families to present gifts and share the joy of the community.
Soc Trang is home to more than 400,000 Khmer people and Hau Giang has more than 26,000.