Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Mekong Delta hosts annual Khmer culture fest

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mekong Delta hosts annual Khmer culture fest

Ok Om Bok, the largest festival of the year of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta, is taking place from October 26 to November 1.

Soc Trang Province is hosting various activities including a traditional boat race seen as the most exciting event during the festive days.

The festival features many cultural activities including an exhibition of the socio-economic achievements and cultural developments of Soc Trang Province, information about Vietnamese ethnic groups, and artistic performances.

During the festival, there is also a trade fair organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local authorities to attract more than 180 enterprises with over 430 booths displaying handicrafts, farm and garden equipment, textiles and more.

This year’s traditional boat race will take place in Soc Trang on November 1-2 with participation of 49 Khmer teams from Mekong Delta provinces.

The Ok Om Bok celebrations, also known as the Khmer Moon Thanksgiving Ceremony, fall on October 15 of the lunar calendar. It is a time for the Khmer to show their gratitude to the Moon Goddess for giving them a bumper harvest and rich aquatic sources.

VietNamNet/SGGP

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.