The event featured traditional art performances of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as Laos and Cambodia’s rituals like thread tying on wrist and water-splashing to wish for a year of happiness and prosperity.

Nguyen Huu Hiep, head of the municipal Party Committee’s mass mobilistion board, delivered New Year greetings to Lao and Cambodian students who are studying in the city.

He affirmed that city leaders always pay attention to organising student exchange events, creating opportunities for students to better understand cultural tradition in each nation and the history of the friendship among the three countries.

Hiep expressed his hope that the students will continue to treasure the ties, making contributions to building prosperous countries toward an ASEAN Community of peace, cooperation and development.

Currently, there are some 500 Lao and Cambodian students in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay festivals fall on April 14 to 16, with several ritual ceremonies praying for good weather, an abundant harvest and a prosperous New Year.