Khmer people cerebrating traditional Tet holiday 

Their festival lasts from April 14-16, when Khmer people often gather at local pagodas and temples to conduct traditional rituals.

Thach Van Thu, a local man from Tra Vinh City, said, “During this time, Khmer people prepare food and fruits for their family altar as offerings to their ancestors.”

People go to pagodas to offer food to Buddhist monks and listen to chants

Thu said the Khmer also go to pagodas to offer food to Buddhist monks and nuns, who chant to express their gratitude.

After the New Year Eve festival, monks and nuns go in groups of 50 to visit local families to  offer greetings.

Monks giving New Year greetings to local residents 

Building sand mountains to pray for peace during the Chol Chnam Thmay festival 

Young people playing folk music instruments 

Burning incense and praying

On the last day of the festival, Buddhist followers offer food to monks and nuns before attending a ceremony to bath statues of Buddha with water scented with flower petals. They also pray for the peace of the souls of the dead.

They bathe the household Buddha statue and show gratitude to their ancestors.