Cultural Events Calendar
October
Cow Race Festival
of the Khmer Ethnic Group
The Cow Race Festival is a unique cultural tradition of the Khmer people of Tinh Bien and Tri Ton districts. The race track is an even ground, 60 m wide and 170 m long, surrounded by elevated land that is used for the spectators. On the ground, there is a line that divides the track into two lanes, each 90 m long and 4 m wide. On the festival day, two cows are each tethered to a harrow. There is a pedal consisting of a flat piece of wood, 30 cm wide and 90 cm long, on the frame of the harrow, under which are the cogs of the harrow. Each cow is controlled by a chief-man (Nai), who stands on the pedal. Every year, the Cow Race Festival is organized as part of the Don Ta Ceremony (the worshiping ancestral ceremony) on the last day of the 10th lunar month of the Khmer calendar.
Oc Om Boc Festival
The Oc Om Boc Festival is a religious service to worship the moon god of the Kho Me minority group. The festival is usually held on December 15th of the Buddhist calendar, or in October following the Gregorian calendar. At this religious festival, people thank the moon god who brings good crops, provides abundant fish in the rivers and maintains the health of human beings. During the night of the full moon, as the moon appears, people prepare a feast in the front yard of the pagoda or in their homes. A plate of green rice flakes, ripe bananas, fresh coconuts, mangoes and other dishes are served to the moon god. After the ceremony, the elders ask the children of the house to sit cross legged on the ground, clasping their hands. The elders then take a handful of green rice flakes and feed all of the children at the same time. People also release paper lanterns into the sky and boats into the rivers, with colorful lights and offerings. The custom of releasing flying lights and floating ferries is believed to sweep away the darkness and humidity of the rainy season. On the following morning of the full moon, the Ngo Boat Race is held. This festival is deemed to be a great cultural event, drawing thousands of participants.
of the Khmer Ethnic Group
The Cow Race Festival is a unique cultural tradition of the Khmer people of Tinh Bien and Tri Ton districts. The race track is an even ground, 60 m wide and 170 m long, surrounded by elevated land that is used for the spectators. On the ground, there is a line that divides the track into two lanes, each 90 m long and 4 m wide. On the festival day, two cows are each tethered to a harrow. There is a pedal consisting of a flat piece of wood, 30 cm wide and 90 cm long, on the frame of the harrow, under which are the cogs of the harrow. Each cow is controlled by a chief-man (Nai), who stands on the pedal. Every year, the Cow Race Festival is organized as part of the Don Ta Ceremony (the worshiping ancestral ceremony) on the last day of the 10th lunar month of the Khmer calendar.
Oc Om Boc Festival
The Oc Om Boc Festival is a religious service to worship the moon god of the Kho Me minority group. The festival is usually held on December 15th of the Buddhist calendar, or in October following the Gregorian calendar. At this religious festival, people thank the moon god who brings good crops, provides abundant fish in the rivers and maintains the health of human beings. During the night of the full moon, as the moon appears, people prepare a feast in the front yard of the pagoda or in their homes. A plate of green rice flakes, ripe bananas, fresh coconuts, mangoes and other dishes are served to the moon god. After the ceremony, the elders ask the children of the house to sit cross legged on the ground, clasping their hands. The elders then take a handful of green rice flakes and feed all of the children at the same time. People also release paper lanterns into the sky and boats into the rivers, with colorful lights and offerings. The custom of releasing flying lights and floating ferries is believed to sweep away the darkness and humidity of the rainy season. On the following morning of the full moon, the Ngo Boat Race is held. This festival is deemed to be a great cultural event, drawing thousands of participants.
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