Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Water Festival of Cambodia
In the mid-November, Phnom Penh gears itself for the Water Festival. This is one of the most important events of the year.
First, it is also the Moon Festival, a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. In 2016, it so happened that around Water Festival, November 14, the Moon was at its biggest since 1948.
On this Water and Moon Festival or Bon Om Touk as the Khmer call it, offerings of flowers and other products as well as the lighting of candles and incense are made in villages. The wax from the lighted candles on this celebration is considered predictors of the year's climate and harvest. The more wax drops, the more rain and, thus, good harvest.
In the ceremony usually presided by the King of Cambodia, the different Provinces are represented each by a candle so predictions are made for each Province as well. For the people of Cambodia, this is part of their tradition which they cherish until now.
The Tonle Sap River also reverses its flow at this time, a natural phenomenon celebrated during this festival. As part of the celebration, a boat race is held for 3 days. Around 259 boats participated, many represented some of the villages. The cheering is loud for those whose villagers come to support their oarsmen.
What I love most is watching the locals in the parks, enjoying with their families on spread mats and munching on their favourites: fried tarantulas, barbecued chicken, pork, fish balls and frogs, shellfish, noodles and eggs.
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| Illuminated Boat - Cambodia Water Festival |
First, it is also the Moon Festival, a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. In 2016, it so happened that around Water Festival, November 14, the Moon was at its biggest since 1948.
On this Water and Moon Festival or Bon Om Touk as the Khmer call it, offerings of flowers and other products as well as the lighting of candles and incense are made in villages. The wax from the lighted candles on this celebration is considered predictors of the year's climate and harvest. The more wax drops, the more rain and, thus, good harvest.
In the ceremony usually presided by the King of Cambodia, the different Provinces are represented each by a candle so predictions are made for each Province as well. For the people of Cambodia, this is part of their tradition which they cherish until now.
The Tonle Sap River also reverses its flow at this time, a natural phenomenon celebrated during this festival. As part of the celebration, a boat race is held for 3 days. Around 259 boats participated, many represented some of the villages. The cheering is loud for those whose villagers come to support their oarsmen.
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| Boat Race - Cambodia Water Festival 2016 |
Every night, fireworks light up the Phnom Penh sky around the riverside. Illuminated boats slowly parade in the Tonle Sap River giving magic to the celebration. Concert sites entertain the crowd of about 3 million. It is Phnom Penh in its full display.
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| Illuminated Boat - 2016 Cambodia Water Festival |
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| Snacks at the Cambodia Water Festival |
Time your visit to Phnom Penh for this festival and celebrate with the locals.
Read more:
Water Festival of Cambodia
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