Dong Thap hosts cultural exchange to celebrate Bun Pi May and Chol Chnam Thmay festivals

On the afternoon of April 10, the Standing Board of the Dong Thap Provincial Youth Union hosted a cultural exchange to celebrate the traditional Lao New Year (Bun Pi May) and Cambodian New Year (Chol Chnam Thmay) for international students currently enrolled in the province.

The program aimed to further strengthen solidarity and traditional friendship among the youth of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, while creating an environment for international students and local youth to exchange, learn and share cultural values.

Mai Minh Luan, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Thap Provincial Youth Union, said the organization has consistently paid attention to implementing practical activities to enhance exchanges and connections among young people of the three countries, especially in supporting Lao and Cambodian students studying in the province.

He noted that the program not only provided an opportunity for international students to celebrate their traditional New Year away from home in a warm and friendly atmosphere, but also enabled local youth and students to better understand and appreciate the unique cultural values of Laos and Cambodia. It also contributes to improving the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy and promoting the image of a friendly and hospitable Dong Thap to international friends.

The event also featured vibrant folk games reflecting the cultural identities of the participating countries.

Fongmekhong Viengkhone, a Lao student studying at Dong Thap Medical College, shared that although being away from family during the New Year, he still feels warmth and care in Dong Thap as if he were at home.

He added that the exchange program is not only a joyful cultural activity but also a vivid symbol of the traditional solidarity and friendship among Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Through such activities, students from the three countries can strengthen their bonds, deepen mutual understanding and create meaningful memories during their study time.

On this occasion, the Standing Board of the Dong Thap Provincial Youth Union awarded certificates of merit to seven Lao and Cambodian students for their outstanding achievements in youth union activities and movements, and presented New Year gifts to international students.
 

By Duong Ut
Translated by X.QUANG