KHMER OX RACING - The annual Bảy Núi (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival will take place in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang’s Tri Tôn District on October 14 to celebrate Sene Dolta, the Khmer people’s festival honouring the moon for a good harvest. VNA/VNS Photo by Công Mạo

AN GIANG — The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang will host its annual Bảy Núi (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival in Tri Tôn District on October 14.

Around 56 pairs of oxen from the province and Kiên Giang Province will compete in the race.

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 Khmer ancestors and wishes for happiness and peace for their souls.

Sen Dolta is held from the last day of the eighth lunar month until the second day of the ninth lunar month each year, falling on October 14-16 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.

Many religious rituals and several cultural activities will take place at the Khmer pagodas to preserve the cultural heritage of the Khmer people.

The ox racing is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the event, which will begin at 7:30 am at the Tà Pạ - Soài Chek Sports and Tourism Area.

As part of celebration of Sen Dolta, the province will also host a motocross performance by 60 athletes at the tourism area on October 7. — VNS