Cambodian Government Cancels Water Festival to Fight Covid-19
Cambodian Government Cancels Water Festival to Fight Covid-19
Cambodian Government Cancels Water Festival to Fight Covid-19
Cambodian Government decided to cancel Water Festival, which is supposed to be held from 30 October to 1 November 2020, according to the letter seen by Fresh News on Thursday.
The letter does not state the reasons but analysts said the decision was made to curb Covid-19 and save the state budget amidst the pandemic.
Bonn Oum Touk, or water and moon festival, is the national and traditional festival of Cambodia. It normally takes place in November at the same time with three other festivities – the procession of Lighted Floats, the Salutations to the Moon, and Offerings of Ambok. Cambodians celebrate the occasion exuberantly, starting from boat races, food fairs, live concerts, and fireworks extravaganza.
In Cambodia’s history, Khmer King waged war with enemies by sailing. He celebrated the water festival ceremony every year to choose the champion of sailing battle and to honor the victory of Cambodian naval forces as depicted in the wall of Bayon Temple, and Banteay Chhmar Temple since the 12th century. Fresh News
