Tran Thanh Man, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, speaks at the ceremony in Can Tho city, April 11, 2021 (Photo: VOV)

This was the first time Can Tho organized  such an event. Speaking at the program, Tran Thanh Man, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, wished Buddhist dignitaries and followers, officials, soldiers and all the Khmer ethnic people a peaceful, warm, happy New Year.

“The army and people jointly celebrating Chol Chnam Thmay is a very meaningful event. This is not only a great festival of the Khmer ethnic people, but also a happy day for the people of Can Tho to show solidarity and unity between the government, the army and the people of all ethnic groups."

"I hope the Khmer ethnic people will stay united, overcome all difficulties, and organize traditional cultural activities and festivals to welcome the New Year in a joyful and safe manner,” said Mr. Man. 

During the Chol Chnam Thmay, many meaningful activities are underway, including installing the lighting system for rural roads, building charity houses, giving gifts to policy beneficiaries, poor households, and awarding scholarships to poor students.

Chol Chnam Thmay is the new year festival according to the traditional calendar of the Khmer people. This year, the festival takes place from April 14 to the end of April 16.