Illustrative image (Source: VNA) A delegation from the Steering Committee for the Southwestern Region visited a number of Khmer pagodas and outstanding households in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long on October 8 on the threshold of the Sene Dolta Festival 2015.
The delegation, headed by Vo Trong Huu, head of the committee’s department for social and cultural affairs, extended greetings and presented gifts to Buddhist Khmer dignitaries and followers at Phu Ly 1, Toa Sen pagodas in Binh Minh town; Dai Tho, Ky Son pagodas in Tam Binh district; and Hanh Phuc Tang in Vung Liem district.
Hailing the achievements the local Khmer community has made over the past time, the delegation said that their efforts contribute to the socio-economic development of the country as well as to the maintenance of political security and social order in the locality.
The committee’s representatives expressed hope that the Khmer dignitaries, monks and people will continue promoting solidarity and joining local attempts to develop the province.
Dignitaries at the pagodas thanked the Party, State and local authorities for their attention paid to Khmer locals, particularly in vocational training, job creation, and education.
The Sene Dolta Festival is one of the largest annual Khmer festivals, along with Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) and Ooc Oom Bok, a festival to thank the Moon for good harvests.
It is held from the 30th day of the eighth lunar month to the second day of the ninth lunar month each year, which falls on October 12-14 this year, during which Khmer people pay tribute to their ancestors and take part in community celebration activities with traditional songs and dance after a hard working year.
The majority of Vietnam’s Khmer population lives in the southwestern region, who worship at more than 450 Khmer pagodas.-VNA
