Phnom Penh: A total of 36 illuminated floats, known as Pratip, lined up in row lighting up the Tonle Sap riverfront as tens of thousands of people gathered in front of the Royal Palace to witness the display on the first day of Cambodia’s annual Water Festival celebration, known locally as Bon Om Touk.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this evening, after boat races, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, lighted the victory flame to kick off the parade of the illuminated boats beautifully decorated and crafted with stunning works of art and vibrant colours, along with the display of fireworks.
The 36 Pratip, representing different ministries and public and private institutions including the Royal Palace, Senate, National Assembly, Government, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Ag
riculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Waters Resources and Meteorology, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Inspection, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, Ministry of Civil Service, State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, State Secretariat of Border Affairs, Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, and Vattanac Investment Limited, will float from the Royal Palace to the Chroy Changvar Bridge until 10:00 pm, creating a breathtaking sight.
L
oy Pratip (the display of decorative lighted boats) is a significant part of the Water Festival. The other two main events are boat racing, and Sampeas Preah Khe (Moon Festival) and Ok Ambok (a type of glutinous rice roasted and crushed with pestle eaten with banana or coconut juice).
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. The festival generally draws large crowds across the nation to the capital of Phnom Penh and showcase the country’s vibrant culture and tradition to locals and tourists.
Annually, Cambodia organises the Water Festival to mark the end of monsoon season, convey appreciation to nature, especially water, for the productive harvests, and commemorate the country’s rich culture and long history.