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Events and Festivals

Friday, 04 June 2010 10:58 administrator
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 Cambodia has a wealth of traditional and international festivals. Most of time of great rejoicing for the predominantly rural populace, many of whole capital to join in the celebrations and witness the organized fire-work which accompanies the festival. It is at these times the nation unites with common understanding of values and traditions, and they are looked forward great expectation. Even in times of hardship people try even harder to manage times special. All the traditional festivals are influenced by the concepts of the Hinduism and royal cultures. The following are the most important of the ceremony organized throughout the year.
April 14-16: Cambodian New Year
A three-day celebration after the end of harvest to mark the turn of The New Year according to the Khmer lunar calendar. Every home is seen with attractive decorations. shrines are full of food and beverages given as offerings to God.. Other people attend Buddhist temples where traditional games are also performed. Click here for more details about Khmer New Year.


April 28: Visaka Bochea Day - Birthday of Buddha

May 01: International Labor Day

  

 

May 02: Royal Ploughing Ceremony 
It is culturally celebrated to alert the nation of the commencement of rainy season, and farmers to be ready for farming rice by starting to plough. The venue is a field at a wing of Royal Palace, Phnom Penh. The scene is interesting as it depicts real ploughing activities where cows are given a variety of crops to eat. Based on the choices of crops eaten by the cows, prediction are made for the coming year. Click here for more details about Ploughing Ceremony.

May 13-15: Birthday of King Sihamony
During king's birthday, a giant firework display is held close to the riverbanks in front of the Royal Palace.

June18: Royal Birthday of H.M Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk

  

 

September24: Constitution's Day

October 08-09: Pchum Ben Day - The Soul Day
A religious festival to bless the souls of ancestors, relatives and friends alike who have passed away. Household members attend Buddhist temples.

October 29: Royal Coronation of King Sihamoni

October31: Birthday of King Father Norodom Sihanouk

November09: Independence Day
 
November 20-21-22: Water Festival

Not only it marks the reversing flow of Tonle Sap River but also ushers in the fishing season. The Highlight of the event is boat races over three days. As night falls, fireworks light the sky and a lighted flotilla of boats sail under full moon to whom household worships. Some analysts say the celebration is also a thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land. People from all walks of life gather on the bank of the Mekong River for days and nights. Click here for more details about Water Festival.

 
December 02: Angkor Half Marathon
International Half marathon. Held at the world renowned Angkor Wat an event which attracts competitors from all over the world. With thousands of spectators and the wonder of Angkor Wat, it is a spectacular setting. Click here for more details about Angkor Half Marathon.
 
December10: International Human Right's Day
 
MidDecember: Angkor Festival
This festival is a showcase of performing arts with Angkor Wat as a backdrop. Performers from all over Asia attend this festival performing great epic stories from myths and legends, including the Ramayana, with their own national dance costumes and musical and rhythmic interpretations. Former King Sihanouk often attends when he is in residence in Siem Reap and other dignitaries come to witness this wonderful spectacle.