HCM CITY (VNS)  — Traditional rituals and music performances to celebrate the New Year festivals of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar took place in HCM City yesterday.

The event, held by the HCM City Union of Friendship Organisation and the city's Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha, aimed to strengthen friendship and understanding among the countries.

The New Year festivals include the Chol Chnam Thmey of Cambodia, Bun Pi Mai of Laos, Songkran of Thailand and Thingyan of Myanmar.

The city's Sangha also performed traditional Buddhist rituals such as bathing the Buddha and sprinkling holy water to wish people happiness.

The event was attended by representatives of HCM City's authority, international consulates and foreigners living and studying in Viet Nam.— VNS