State officials wish Khmer people happy Chol Chnam Thmay

Hanoi (VNA) – Officials from the Steering Committee for the Southwest visited Theravada Buddhist pagodas in southern Vinh Long province on April 11 on the occasion of the Khmer people’s Chol Chnam Thmay.

Chol Chnam Thmay, the traditional New Year festival of the Khmer community, is one of the most important events of the year in their culture. It usually lasts three days and is celebrated mostly in pagodas.

At the visits, Son Minh Thang, Standing Deputy Head of the Steering Committee emphasized the Khmer people’s contributions to important socio-economic achievements in the Southwestern region.

He affirmed that due attention has been paid to implementing policies for the Khmer, including those relating to education and training, healthcare, poverty reduction, and the preservation and promotion of the group’s cultural values.

He wished the Khmer people and Buddhist dignitaries and followers a cosy and happy Chol Chnam Thmay festival.

On the day, the officials also visited the Khmer Buddhist dignitaries and people in the neighbouring province of Tra Vinh in celebration of Chol Chnam Thmay.

At Kom Pong and Ang pagodas, Thang expressed his hope that Buddhist dignitaries and followers and the Khmer people will join in developing the province prosperously.

Up to 2,000 poor Khmer households have been provided with land to build houses while many others have been benefiting from policies to support production and generate jobs, according to the provincial Ethnic Affairs Board.

The same day, Le Hung Dung, Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for the Southwest paid a Chol Chnam Thmay visit and presented gifts to disadvantaged Khmer people in the Mekong delta city of Can Tho.-VNA