The Cambodian embassy in Bangkok celebrated the 26th National Cultural Day, held on March 25 at the C-asean Theatre in the Thai capital city, and chaired by Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Hun Saroeun. Cambodian embassy in Bangkok
The Cambodian embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, celebrated the 26th National Cultural Day, held under the theme “Youth for National Culture” to further promote the cultural values of Khmer identity.
The ceremony was held on March 25 at the C-asean Theatre in the Thai capital city, and chaired by Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Hun Saroeun, according to the embassy’s March 26 press release.
The statement explained that the purpose of this celebration, traditionally celebrated on March 3, was to commemorate the merits of Cambodian ancestors of all generations who had created, preserved and protected the rich cultural heritage left for future generations of Cambodians.
“It is a wake-up call for all Cambodians, both inside and outside the country, especially young people, to have a conscience and love their culture, traditions and customs, and promote the values of the Khmer culture, national identity and identity. The cultural heritage of our Khmer ancestors, both tangible and intangible, is known and recognised by the international community everywhere,” it said.
Regarding the celebrations of Cultural Day, Vong Sam Ang, a Lakhon Bassac artist, noted that young people are a strong force.
From his own observation on the cause of national culture, he said most young people participate willingly.
“Most young people are involved in activities that promote our national culture, although I am aware that some of them do not value Khmer culture because they prefer to adhere to foreign culture. It’s unfortunate that the influence of outside cultures is causing some young Cambodians to leave their own culture aside,” he said.
He added that over the past years, many state institutions have been heavily involved in promoting the national culture, but he would like to see more. In particular, he wishes to see Cambodian embassies in other countries create more programmes to promote the Khmer identity and cultivate young people’s love for their culture.
According to the embassy, the event was held in accordance with a circular by the head of the government, which instructed each of Cambodia’s embassies abroad to solemnly mark the occasion from March until the Khmer New Year in mid-April.
The embassy added that the event was co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, who assigned a group of 15 artists from the Department of Performing Arts to perform traditional dances.
Some of the dances performed included the Brahmin prayer; Apsara; blessing; Moni Mekhala; as well as a showcase of Yike theatre.
