Bun Komsan Sroc peace-praying festival preserves Khmer traditions in Vinh Long

The Bun Komsan Sroc peace-praying ritual expresses gratitude for a bountiful harvest and hopes for peace in Khmer communities in Vinh Long province.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 2

Bun Komsan Sroc is one of the most important traditional rituals of the Khmer people in southern Vietnam, with strong ties to agricultural culture and folk beliefs.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 3

The Khmer people believe that successful harvests and peaceful village life result from hard work, collective solidarity, and the protection of supernatural forces.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 4

For the Khmer people, a peaceful life and favourable weather are enduring aspirations in their spiritual life.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 5

The peace-praying festival is usually held at the beginning of the year, after the harvest has been completed, during the dry and clear season.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 6

The festival celebrates the fruits of labour and offers prayers for peaceful villages, a peaceful country, and a more abundant harvest in the new season.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 7

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 8

Local residents enjoy performances by Dù kê and Rô băm, two traditional Khmer theatrical art forms, and join hands in the graceful Rom Vong circle dance.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 9

For village elders, the festival provides an opportunity to gather, share experiences in economic development and family life, and discuss other social activities.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 10

In Vinh Long Province, the peace-praying festival is solemnly held at Kompong Ksan Pagoda (also known as Chùa Mới) in Trà Vinh Ward.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 11

The festival venue is typically a central sacred space linked to the history and legends of the local area.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 12

According to long-standing Khmer beliefs, attending more festivals brings greater blessings, good fortune and happiness to family life.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 13

Depending on local conditions and resources, the peace-praying festival may last from one to three days and nights.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 14

A highlight of the festival's spiritual rites is the invitation of Buddhist monks to chant scriptures and deliver Dharma teachings.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 15

In a solemn atmosphere, Buddhist followers listen to teachings on moral values before joining a meal offering ceremony for monks to accumulate merit.

bun komsan sroc peace-praying festival preserves khmer traditions in vinh long picture 16

The Bun Komsan Sroc peace-praying festival at Kompong Ksan Pagoda always attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, and ethnic groups, creating a vivid display of solidarity in southern Vietnam.