VietNamNet Bridge – Thousands of people attended the annual Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival held on October 8 at Tinh Bien District in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang.

Sixty-four pairs of oxen from An Giang Province and neighbouring provinces compete at the annual Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival, held at Tinh Bien District in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang on October 8. — Photo by Tằng A Pẩu

This year, 64 pairs of oxen from An Giang and neighbouring provinces competed in the event.

The pair of oxen owned by farmer Nguyen Thanh Tai from Chau Lang Commune of Tri Ton District won first prize, while the runner-up was the pair of oxen owned by farmer Nguyen Van Cuoc from Nui Voi Commune in Tinh Bien District.

The festival is part of the Sene Dolta, one of the most important annual festivals of the Khmer community in the southwest region, along with Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) and Ooc Oom Bok, a festival honouring the moon for a good harvest.

The oxen racing festival commemorates the merits of the Khmer’s ancestors and wishes for happiness and peace for their souls.

The event is held from the 30th day of the eighth lunar month until the second day of the ninth lunar month each year, falling on October 8-10 this year.

During the event, the Khmer people pay tribute to their ancestors and take part in activities with traditional songs and dances after a year of hard work.

Source: VNS