The Ok Om Bok Festival 2024 is one of the most important cultural and religious events of the Khmer people in Southern Vietnam. Also known as the Moon Worship Festival, it is held at the end of the harvest season. This festival expresses the people’s reverence for the Moon God, who protects crops, regulates the weather, and brings good fruit and prosperity to the people in Phum and Soc.

Origins and significance of the Ok Om Bok Festival

The festival held on the 15th day of the 15th lunar month (November 15th) in Khmer communities in the south, is a thanksgiving event reflecting their deep belief in nature and the gods.

Origins of the festival

The Ok Om Bok Festival has its roots in ancient times when Khmer farmers in Southern Vietnam relied heavily on nature and agriculture. For them, the Moon God was responsible for keeping time and directly affected the tides and weather, which were crucial for a successful harvest. According to folklore, the Khmer people celebrate a festival during the full moon of the 10th lunar month, marking the end of the rainy season and the start of the dry season. This event is a time to thank the Moon God for the nourishing rains that supported their crops. It also serves as an occasion for the Khmer community to pray for good weather in the upcoming dry season, which is essential for their agriculture. This tradition reflects their deep connection to nature and reliance on seasonal changes for their livelihoods.

Hang Pagoda - the pagoda will take place Ok Om Bok Festival in Tra Vinh

Significance of the festival

The Ok Om Bok Festival carries profound humanitarian values, reflecting gratitude towards nature, especially the Moon God, who is believed to have blessed the villagers with a successful harvest. However, it is not only about giving thanks. The festival also allows the Khmer people to unite and share the joy after months of hard labor. This is also a time for people to engage in communal activities, strengthen neighborly bonds, and create a warm, joyful atmosphere. The festival allows descendants to express gratitude towards ancestors and previous generations for passing down valuable cultural traditions.

People will pray under the Moon God

Critical activities at the festival

The Ok Om Bok Festival is divided into two main parts: the ceremonial and the festive activities, each with its distinctive features, rich in the traditional cultural identity of the Khmer people.

The ceremonial part of the festival

The ceremonial part typically occurs in the evening when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Activities include the moon worship ceremony and the release of sky lanterns. The moon worship ceremony is usually held at temples or village communal houses, on an elevated open space where everyone can see the moon.

Offerings include bananas, sweet potatoes, and com dep (a traditional dish made from young sticky rice). During the ceremony, the youngest children in the family are fed com dep by the elders and asked to make a wish for the Moon God to witness. This significant ritual demonstrates the Khmer people's respect for the gods and hopes for a peaceful, happy life.

 Young people are starting to mix com dep

After the moon worship, sky lanterns made of cloth and bamboo are released into the sky, carrying the people's wishes for abundant harvests and a prosperous life. The scene becomes enchanting as the lanterns ascend, their flickering lights illuminating the night sky, creating a sacred and emotional atmosphere. 

In recent years, the sky lantern release has been discontinued to prevent fires and explosions. Instead, flower lanterns will be released on Ba Om Pond to pay tribute to the gods who protect them.

Sky lanterns are released after moon worship

The festive part of the event

After the solemn ceremony comes the festive part, where various games and entertainment activities are held. The highlight is the Ngo Boat Racing Festival, one of the most popular events that draws the attention of both locals and tourists. In 2015, the Ok Om Bok Festival in Soc Trang and Tra Vinh was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage. This recognition affirms the festival's important role in the spiritual life of the local people.

Ngo Boat Racing is a traditional sport and a way to thank the Water God, who provided the Khmer people with abundant water for agricultural production. This year, over 60 male and female teams from different localities will participate in the competition, with a 1200-meter race for men and a 1000-meter race for women. The races occur in a lively atmosphere, with cheering echoing along the riverbanks, creating an exciting and vibrant scene.

Ngo Boat Racing in the Ok Om Bok Festival

In addition to Ngo Boat Racing, other cultural and artistic activities are organized concurrently, including traditional dance performances, musical instrument shows, and fairs. The festival is a time for entertainment and an opportunity to introduce Khmer culture to visitors, contributing to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.

Performing the national dance of the Khmer people

The Ok Om Bok Festival 2024 is a major cultural event rich in Khmer religious and traditional values and a chance for visitors to experience a vibrant, colorful festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to book a Vietnam tour and explore this fascinating cultural celebration while participating in the festival’s exciting activities!