On September 29, 2024 (corresponding to August 27, 2024, on the lunar calendar), the Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival took place at Thơ Mít Pagoda (Vinh Trung Commune, Tinh Bien Town, An Giang Province) as part of the Sene Dolta celebration, a traditional festival of the Khmer people to honor their ancestors. This is one of the most anticipated events of the year for the Khmer community in the Bay Nui region, drawing the attention of thousands of locals and visitors alike.
The Unique Cultural Highlight of the Bull Racing Festival
The Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival is not just a sports competition but also a cultural gathering where the Khmer community comes together to preserve their long-standing traditions. This year, the event attracted 64 bull pairs from various districts within An Giang Province such as Tinh Bien, Tri Ton, Chau Thanh, Chau Phu, and Giang Thanh District (Kien Giang Province). The event is entirely free, with no entrance fees, allowing many people to come and enjoy the spectacle.
Exciting Competition Format of the Bull Racing Festival
The Bay Nui Bull Racing competition is divided into two stages: the slow run (hô round) and the fast run (thả round). The bull pairs race on a track ranging from 100m to 120m. The starting positions are determined by drawing lots, with the bull pairs starting later typically having an advantage. During the race, if any pair strays off the track or if the jockey (known as “nài”) falls off the plow rig, the pair is disqualified.
A unique rule in the fast run states that if the trailing pair steps on the plow rig of the leading pair when they are more than 30 meters from the finish line, the trailing pair wins without needing to cross the finish line first.
More Than Just a Sports Competition
The Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival is not only a sports competition but also a time for the Khmer community to gather, bond, and preserve their cultural heritage. The oxen competing in the race are often strong, well-cared-for animals, and the race showcases the skill, patience, and quick reflexes of the jockeys.
Additionally, the festival is an opportunity for the Khmer people to interact and learn from one another, fostering unity within the community. It also serves as a platform to promote the image of the Bay Nui region—a famous destination with magnificent natural landscapes and a distinct culture—to both domestic and international visitors.
Cultural and Tourism Significance
The Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival brings joy to attendees and plays a crucial role in developing local tourism. This event has become an essential cultural aspect of the Khmer people’s lives in the Bay Nui region. Visitors to the festival can explore and gain deeper insights into the culture, customs, and long-standing traditions of this community.
Besides enjoying the thrilling bull races, visitors can also participate in other cultural activities during the festival, such as folk music performances, savoring local cuisine, and touring famous tourist attractions in the Bay Nui region.
Conclusion about Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival
The Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival is not only a distinctive cultural sports event but also an occasion to preserve and promote the traditional values of the Khmer people in An Giang. With its exciting competitions, the event has become a highlight that draws numerous tourists, helping to showcase the majestic and culturally rich Bay Nui region. This is undoubtedly one of the festivals that should not be missed when visiting An Giang during the annual Sene Dolta celebration.
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Source: Collected from the internet
