The first day of the three-day Water Festival drew tens of thousands of visitors from across Cambodia to the capital city of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh becomes a vibrant centre of excitement, featuring exhilarating boat races, mesmerising illuminated floats known as “Pratip” and a captivating moon salutation ceremony known as “Sampeas Preah Khe”.
The Tonle Sap Riverfront, from Chroy Changvar Bridge to Koh Pich Island, is filled with people eager to witness the thrilling boat races.
On the first day, some 174 pairs of colourful decorated boats from across the country started racing within the length of some 1,700 metres, drawing the sound of chants and drums from the audience who sat along the river banks.
Local vendors lined the riverbanks, offering a variety of delicious foods, traditional handicrafts and other stuff.
This year, the Water Festival will take place from Nov. 14 to 16. The three-day celebration is one of the most joyful events in Cambodia.
Annually, the Kingdom organises the Water Festival to mark the end of the monsoon season, convey appreciation to nature, especially water, for the productive harvests, and commemorate the country’s rich culture and long history.
Last year, the thrilling celebration of the Water Festival attracted some five million visitors, including foreign tourists. AKP
Source: khmertimeksh
All images: AKP/Fresh
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