Young people play folk games at the Sen Dolta Festival (photo: Ngoc Tuoi)

These days, the Khmer people are decorating their houses and public places for the festivities. Every family hangs a national flag and helps clean nearby pagodas.

Ly Hoanh Thuong of Dong Binh commune, Vinh Long province, said: “Before bringing steamed rice to the pagodas, I burn incense at the Buddha altar and the ancestral altar in my home and pray for my family’s peace. Then I bring offerings to the pagoda for the monks and pray for the deceased and for the living. This is a good Khmer tradition.”

At the Sen Dolta Festival, family members who are working far from home return for a reunion and to offer incense in remembrance of their ancestors. Thach Thia Ra of Phu Can commune, Tra Vinh province, who is studying at Can Tho University, said: “I return to my home village to visit my grandparents and parents and offer incense on the ancestral altar. I go to the pagoda to join some festive activities. When I was little, I always went to pagodas with my parents for traditional occasions.”

Leaders of Giong Rieng district congratulate monks at Cay Trom pagoda in Ban Thach district. (photo: Ngoc Tuoi)

Local authorities visit and present gifts to Khmer pagodas, monks, and disadvantaged families.

Thi My Dien Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Ban Thach commune, Giong Rieng district, Kien Giang province, said: “During the Sen Dolta Festival, authorities at all levels visit and give gifts to pagodas and disadvantaged families. Ban Thach commune cares for and helps poor and near-poor Khmer households so that every family can enjoy a happy Festival.”