Cambodia’s Water Festival resumes after 3-year hiatus
Tens of thousands of oarsmen and spectators from Southeast Asian countries flocked at Phnom Penh's riverbank.
KATHMANDU: Cambodia’s water festival, which was closed due to the epidemic, has resumed after a gap of 3 years.
Cambodia’s largest annual water festival has resumed following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The boat race is celebrated over three days.
Tens of thousands of oarsmen and spectators from Southeast Asian countries flocked at Phnom Penh’s riverbank.
According to Bou Chumserey, Vice President of the Boat Race Technical Control Committee, 337 boats with a total of 20,417 crew members competed in this year’s race. The rowers will compete on a 1.7km stretch of the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace.
The boat race commemorates the might of the formidable Khmer Navy during the late 11th century Khmer Empire.
A spectator stated that he had come for the third time to see the boat race. He stated it would make him happy.
Another observer expressed his excitement about attending the festival. He stated that it will assist the country in attracting foreign visitors.
The boat race was witnessed by Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and other officials from a platform built on the riverbank in front of the royal house.
