An Giang (VNA) – The annual Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festivalkicked off on October 8 in Tinh Bien district, the Mekong Delta province ofAn Giang, attracting thousands of people.

This year, 64 pairs of oxen from An Giang and neighbouring provinces competedin the event.

The pair of oxen owned by farmer Nguyen Thanh Tai from Chau Lang commune of TriTon district won first prize, while the pairs of oxen owned by farmer NguyenVan Cuoc from Nui Voi commune in Tinh Bien district and farmer Chau Ranh Rafrom Van Giao commune in Tinh Bien district finished second and third,respectively.

The festival is part of the Sene Dolta, one of the most important annualfestivals of the Khmer community in the southwest region, along with Chol ChnamThmay (New Year) and Ooc Oom Bok, a festival honouring the moon for a goodharvest.

The oxen racing festival commemorates the merits of the Khmer’s ancestors andwishes for happiness and peace for their souls.

The event is held from the 30th day of the eighth lunar month until the secondday of the ninth lunar month each year, falling on October 8-10 this year.

During the event, the Khmer people pay tribute to their ancestors and take partin activities with traditional songs and dances after a year of hard work. -VNA