President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (VFF) Nguyễn Thiện Nhân has extended his best wishes to Khmer dignitaries, monks, nuns and Buddhist followers on the occasion of their traditional Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) festival.
He extended the wishes at a meeting held by the Steering Committee for the Southwest Region in Can Tho City on April 5.
The VFF President expressed his delight at the achievements made by the regional authorities and people in implementing the Party and State’s ethnic and religious policies, reducing poverty, ensuring social welfare, enhancing education and healthcare, and boosting socio-economic development.
He called on Khmer people to promote solidarity, preserve and uphold their cultural identity, and actively participate in emulation movements and rural building campaigns.
He also asked the Steering Committee for the Southwest Region to work closely with ministries, sectors and localities to further care for Khmer people’s livelihoods so that they could enjoy a happy and warm Chol Thnam Thmay festival.
Chol Chnam Thmay is one of the three main festivals of the Khmer people, along with Sene Dolta (paying tribute to ancestors) and Ok-Om-Bok (worshipping the Moon).
During the three-day festival, Khmer people often gather at pagodas to pray for a New Year of peace, favorable weather and prosperity.
