The Ok Om Bok Festival
… Let’s go to the Mekong Delta and join the Ok Om Bok Festival of the Khmer people. It is also called the Moon Worshipping Festival. Traditionally, the Khmers use the festival to thank the Moon God for giving them a good harvest. It also marks the end of the year of the Khmer calendar.
Ok Om Bok occurs in mid-October according to the lunar calendar. When the moon is at its highest position, the monks and the elders offer young rice and fruits to the Moon God. Then, they take some young rice to feed children and ask them about their wishes. People sing and dance in the moonlight. Visitors can participate in games, watch traditional fashion shows and see flying lantern contests. The next day, villagers organise the Ngo Boat Race. This is a boat race that attracts many tourists.
Here is some advice to tourists at the Ok Om Bok Festival. They should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts when attending the religious ceremony. And don’t litter the temple grounds.
And now, let’s …