The Dua Tpeng Festival of the Khmer in Loc Khanh Commune, Vietnam: Contemporary Practices and Preservation Strategies

Abstract

The Dua Tpeng Festival, meaning "going down to the lake" or "breaking the lake," is a community cultural event held in Loc Khanh Commune, Loc Ninh District, Binh Phuoc Province. It is deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Khmer people and carries profound spiritual significance. The festival symbolizes the community’s connection to nature, offering prayers for abundant harvests and prosperous livelihoods, while also fostering solidarity within the community. Key activities include rituals of harvesting aquatic products from the pond, traditional folk dances and songs (Lam Vong, Lam Thon), and the organization of communal meals. These practices not only create a lively and cohesive atmosphere but also underscore the festival's role in preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of the Khmer people. In the contemporary context, the Dua Tpeng Festival is regarded as a priceless cultural asset, significantly enriching Vietnam’s national heritage. However, challenges posed by socio-economic changes and urbanization have made it difficult to preserve the festival, necessitating sustainable strategies such as enhancing community involvement, increasing government support, and integrating educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage. The Dua Tpeng Festival is not only a source of pride for the Khmer people of Binh Phuoc but also serves as a unique cultural symbol that contributes to the cultural diversity of the nation.