Phnom Penh plans for Water Festival

Nang Veasna
September 26, 2024

Military police patrol in front of the Royal Palace to provide security during the Water Festival last year. KT/Chor Sokunthea photo

Phnom Penh City Hall yesterday released plans for the organisation of the annual Water Festival in November.

This year, the festival will be celebrated for three days from November 14 through 16.

Festivities will centre along the river in front of the Royal Palace and will include fireworks and the light boats. Nightly concerts featuring both classical and modern music will take place over the three days.

In order to make the event run smoothly and promote safety and good public order, the National Committee for National and International Festivals and City Hall have issued guidelines to all 14 districts and 105 communes.

All educational institutions, companies, factories, private enterprises, supermarkets, restaurants, entertainment clubs, and business owners and those with public duties must also follow the guidelines.

Among the instructions are that all businesses must display national flags and decorate their premises with colourful lights.

Local authorities are responsible for organising locations for racing boats to rehearse, and run trial races to select the fastest boat from their area. Rowers must be chosen on the basis of physical strength and swimming abilities. Names of rowers and boats for the main competition must be submitted to the National Committee before October 21.

District administrations must assist in organizing traditional sports uniforms, hats, and local badges for the boating teams. They should also provide food for five days of practice and competition, as well as arrange transportation for all boat racers.

For participating boats, their design must be stylish and reflect traditional Khmer motifs.

The festival committee called on the private sector and philanthropists to contribute to the budget for food and other essential materials to support the festival and reward the boat racers.