HCM CITY — The celebration of the traditional New Year Festival of Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand 2019 kicked off yesterday at Phổ Minh Pagoda in HCM City.

The event featured the typical New Year customs of the four countries, including a Buddha-statue bathing ritual (to pray for peace for the New Year) as well as folk singing and dances.

The traditional New Year festival takes place annually from April 14 to 16. It is known as Chôl Chnăm Thmây in Việt Nam, Choul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, Boun Pi Mai in Laos, Thingyan in Myanmar, and Songkran in Thailand.

An art performance of Thailand students at the festival held on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Khu

Speaking at the event, Nguyễn Văn Mạnh, vice chairman and general secretary of the HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations, said the event aimed to strengthen mutual understanding between Việt Nam and neighbouring countries, and contribute to the development of each country.

Mạnh added that Việt Nam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand are ASEAN-member states that have close relations, strong cooperation and mutual support. The people of the five countries have supported each other in the cause of national protection and for an ASEAN community of peace, stability, cooperation and prosperous development.

Luon Bunvadh, of the Consulate General of Cambodia in HCM City, expressed his “pleasure to participate in the event in HCM City” and said the event was an opportunity for local people of the five countries to show their friendship and regional unity.

Attendees at the festival event included representatives from the Consulate Generals of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand in HCM City and the Most Venerable Thích Thiện Tâm, vice chairman of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council, as well as people from Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. — VNS