The festival of culture, sports and tourism has returned to southern An Giang province, bringing together thousands of Khmer performers and athletes in celebration of Chol Chnam Thmay.

The Khmer ethnic festival of culture, sports and tourism in southern An Giang province in 2015.

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.                

The Khmer ethnic festival of culture, sports and tourism, the 11th edition of its kind, opened at Soai So Pagoda in Nui To commune, Tri Ton district on April 10 when Khmer people are celebrating Chol Chnam Thmay. 

It featured many exciting cultural activities of local people, notably musical performances, a traditional costume fashion show, a Khmer traditional cuisine event, an exhibition of photos and items on daily life of Khmer people and folk games.

The event attracted thousands of musicians, performers, athletes and monks from the Khmer ethnic group in districts of Tri Ton, Tinh Bien, Chau Thanh, Thoai Son, and Chau Phu.

It will run through April 12.

The festival takes place every two years to introduce to visitors the unique culture and uphold the traditional values of the Khmer people living around Bay Nui mountainous area.

VNA