Khmer community celebrates traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year

The Khmer people in Dong Nai province, including those in Binh Phuoc ward, are joyfully celebrating the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year this April together with Khmer communities across Vietnam. This year, the traditional New Year festival of the Khmer people takes place from April 13 to 16 (the 26th to 29th of the second lunar month).

Sreyvonsa Pagoda in Binh Phuoc ward is decorated in preparation for the Chol Chnam Thmay New Year. Photo: Van Truyen

The New Year of Khmer people is one of the traditional activities that contributes to enriching the unique cultural life of ethnic communities in Dong Nai.

A traditional New Year festival full of joy

This year, the Khmer community in Binh Phuoc Ward celebrates the New Year with great happiness.

Thach Sot, a respected elder within the ethnic community in Binh Phuoc ward, said that the Khmer population is mainly concentrated in Phuoc Hoa and Phuoc Tan neighborhoods, with over 60 households - many of which include multiple generations living together. In addition, some Khmer families also reside alongside other ethnic groups across the ward. This New Year celebration coincides with the cashew harvest season, when the yields and prices are stable. At the same time, many young people in the community have secured stable employment in factories and industrial parks. Thus, the festive atmosphere this year is marked by a strong sense of contentment and excitement.

Notably, in the recent elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, a number of Khmer Theravada Buddhist dignitaries were elected to the People’s Councils at all levels. Meanwhile, at the 1st Buddhist Congress of Dong Nai province for the 2026–2031 term, many Khmer Theravada Buddhist dignitaries were among the 105 members appointed to the provincial Buddhist Executive Board.

Venerable Danh Da Ra, abbot of Sreyvonsa Pagoda located in Binh Phuoc ward said that along with many Khmer Theravada Buddhist dignitaries in Dong Nai, he was recently appointed as Member of the provincial Buddhist Executive Board and elected to the ward People’s Council for the 2026–2031 term. With this honor comes the awareness that he must strive even harder to fulfill his role as a bridge between the Party, the State, and the religious dignitaries, officials and followers of Khmer Theravada Buddhism, as well as the Khmer community, promoting national great unity, adhering to the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, practicing religion in accordance with regulations, and actively participating in patriotic emulation movements.

Additionally, on the occasion of the 2026 celebration of Chol Chnam Thmay, authorities at all levels, departments, and agencies congratulated Khmer Theravada Buddhist dignitaries, officials, and the Khmer community in Binh Phuoc ward. This is a great source of encouragement for the local Khmer people.

Vietnam is home to approximately 1.32 million Khmer people, with more than 36,000 residing in Dong Nai Province.

During a recent Chol Chnam Thmay visit, Tho Ut, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, extended New Year wishes to the dignitaries and officials of Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas and the Khmer community. He also expressed his hope that each individual in the Khmer community would continue contributing to the province’s overall development.

Joining forces to care for the Khmer community during their traditional New Year

As in previous years, Khmer residents will gather at Sreyvonsa Pagoda to mark the traditional New Year 2026.

According to Venerable Danh Da Ra, Sreyvonsa Pagoda is not only a place for religious activities of the Khmer community in Binh Phuoc ward but also for those from other wards and communes, such as Dong Xoai, Dong Phu, and Tan Hung. Therefore, every Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, more than 200 families gather at the pagoda for the celebration. In addition, many young Khmer men and women who are renting accommodations in nearby wards and communes also visit the pagoda to join the celebration.

To ensure everything goes smoothly, in recent days many community members have come to the pagoda to help the monks prepare for the New Year. Ly Phen (a resident in Binh Phuoc ward) said that these days, he and the monks have been decorating the pagoda grounds, arranging rooms and bedding for families staying at the pagoda during the festival, and preparing the dining area to serve food for the communal feast.

Ly Phen, a resident in Binh Phuoc ward, helps the monks of Sreyvonsa Pagoda decorate the grounds in preparation for the Chol Chnam Thmay festival. Photo: Van Truyen

According to Venerable Danh Da Ra, on April 13 - the last day of the old year in the Khmer calendar - everyone gathered at the pagoda to chant sutras and pray for peace. Over the following three days (April 14, 15, and 16), the monks guide the community through rituals for peace, remembrance ceremonies for the deceased, the Buddha bathing ritual, and the traditional water-splashing ceremony. Alongside rituals, the celebrations also feature cultural performances such as five-tone music, Lam Thon dance, folk games, and gift-giving activities for disadvantaged students and families.

A distinctive aspect of the Khmer New Year is the tradition of preparing food at home and bringing it to the pagoda as offerings to the monks and in honor of their ancestors. Afterward, the food is shared among all attendees. As Thach Sot explained, participation in the meal is not limited to those who bring offerings - everyone present is given a portion to celebrate the New Year together. This practice fosters a strong sense of community bonding and reflects a meaningful cultural value of the Khmer people every time they welcome the traditional New Year.

In addition, according to Venerable Danh Da Ra, the pagoda and local residents receive support from authorities, including assistance in maintaining security and order during every New Year celebration. Additionally, delegations from other ethnic groups also visit the pagoda to offer New Year greetings. This reflects both the care of the State and the Party for the Khmer community and the spirit of solidarity among ethnic groups.

By Van Truyen – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha