Delegate participating in the Festival

Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Mr. Kim Ngoc Thai, the Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Mr. Lam Minh Dang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Le Van Han, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Nguyen Van Triet, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Chairman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; Ms. Duong Thi Ngoc Tho, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Mr. Le Thanh Binh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee of the Culture, Tourism Week - Southern Cuisine Festival associated with the Ok Om Bok Festival in Tra Vinh Province in 2023; Mr. Nguyen Quynh Thien, Provincial Party Committee member and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; along with leaders from various departments, branches, and localities within the province, retired officers, monks, and a diverse representation of the population from both inside and outside the province.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Le Thanh Binh, delivering a welcome speech at the Festival

In his welcoming address at the festival, Mr. Le Thanh Binh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, underscored the significance of the Ok Om Bok Festival as a traditional and pivotal celebration for the Khmer community. The festival has been acknowledged and included in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Representing the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province, the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee commended the contributions made by various sectors, levels, businesses, and the people of the province. These contributions have played a crucial role in maintaining stable economic and social development, garnering widespread support for the movement to build new rural areas, and fostering advancements in socio-cultural domains. Additionally, cultural values have been safeguarded and amplified, social welfare is assured, and national defense and security continue to be steadfast.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Le Thanh Binh, beating the drum to inaugurate the Festival

This year's Ok Om Bok Festival is intricately tied to the Culture, Tourism Week - Southern Cuisine Festival, occurring from November 21 to November 27, 2023. The week features a plethora of diverse and vibrant activities, infusing an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm. It provides a platform for people to come together, encourage one another, and actively participate in endeavors related to production, learning, and work. Moreover, the event serves as a continuous effort to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the nation, thereby contributing to the successful realization of the local socio-economic goals for 2023.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Thanh Binh urged all levels, branches, monks, and the Khmer community within the province to maintain solidarity and uphold the cultural values of the nation. He emphasized the effective preservation and utilization of heritage values and the transmission of traditions for future generations.

Venerable Thach Sok Xane delivering a speech at the ceremony

Responding to the call from the Provincial People's Committee, Venerable Thach Sok Xane, the Chairman of the Patriotic United Buddhist Association of Tra Vinh Province, called on the people, particularly the Khmer community, to continue promoting the patriotic traditions and unity among the Kinh, Khmer, Chinese, and Cham ethnic groups. Unity is essential for the common goals of prosperity, a strong nation, democracy, fairness, and civilization. He urged everyone to strive for success in implementing national target programs related to the construction of new rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction, and the socio-economic development of ethnic minority areas. Furthermore, he emphasized the elevation of national unity and the need to be vigilant against the plots and tactics of hostile forces and extremist elements aiming to propagate divisive ideologies. This unity contributes significantly to the construction of a prosperous and resilient homeland in Tra Vinh, where people can lead prosperous and content lives.

Stage set up for the moon worship ceremony

The Festival Night unfolded with exuberance, featuring numerous cultural performances deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Khmer people. The event showcased the traditional moon-worship ceremony, a procession around Ba Om Pond, and the release of lanterns and water lights.

Delegates participating in releasing lanterns

On this occasion, the Provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs collaborated with the Tra Vinh Study Promotion Association to provide 20 gifts to deserving, underprivileged students in schools across Tra Vinh city. Each gift package included essential learning materials and 1 million VND.

Leaders of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Provincial Study Encouragement Association, awarding scholarships and gifts to students

Truc Phuong

Hoang Khiem (translator)