Following Prime Minister Hun Sen’s announcement that Angkor Sangkran will be celebrated during Khmer New Year in April 2023, Siem Reap provincial authorities and the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) met to discuss the four-day event.
On December 13, UYFC president Hun Many met with provincial governor Tea Seiha and the provincial police chief, along with members of the Angkor Sangkran sub-commission.
According to the UYFC, the 2023 event will mark the 10th anniversary of the Angkor Sangkran with the theme: “My dreams and my hopes”. The event will showcase the cultural wealth, traditions and accomplishments of Modern Cambodia’s Khmer ancestors in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Seiha said the provincial authorities had carefully inspected all aspects of the event, and was assured it would be a success.
“We have many years of experience hosting these events; it will run smoothly. So far, we have scheduled 44 different entertainment programmes,” he added.
He explained that the authorities would work with the private sector to guarantee safety and public order, while managing traffic flow and parking in the areas where the celebration would take place.
Many said the celebration marks a historic event for both Cambodian people and foreign visitors.
“We are celebrating Angkor Sangkran as Covid-19 cases in the Kingdom have dropped. Prime Minister [Hun Sen] urged the UYFC to pull out all the stops for the 10th anniversary event,” he added.
The event is intended to bring together the young and the old during Khmer New Year, while keeping the intangible heritage of Khmer culture alive.
“The festival will become an international event that tightens the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the Cambodian people and people around the world. The event will offer visitors the opportunity to understand the glory, culture, traditions and religion of the Khmer Empire. It will help preserve our cultural heritage and enhance the Kingdom’s prestige on the international stage,” Many said.
The 2023 Angkor Sangkran will be celebrated from April 13-16. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife Bun Rany will preside over the opening ceremony.
