The annual Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival kicked off on October 8 in Tinh Bien district, the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, attracting thousands of people.
Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival
This year, 64 pairs of oxen from An Giang and neighbouring provinces competed in the event.
The pair of oxen owned by farmer Nguyen Thanh Tai from Chau Lang commune of Tri Ton district won first prize, while the pairs of oxen owned by farmer Nguyen Van Cuoc from Nui Voi commune in Tinh Bien district and farmer Chau Ranh Ra from Van Giao commune in Tinh Bien district finished second and third, respectively.
The festival is part of the Sene Dolta, one of the most important annual festivals of the Khmer community in the southwest region, along with Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) and Ooc Oom Bok, a festival honouring the moon for a good harvest.
The oxen racing festival commemorates the merits of the Khmer’s ancestors and wishes for happiness and peace for their souls.
The event is held from the 30th day of the eighth lunar month until the second day of the ninth lunar month each year, falling on October 8-10 this year.
During the event, the Khmer people pay tribute to their ancestors and take part in activities with traditional songs and dances after a year of hard work.