Traditional and cultural dances performed in front of Angkor Wat during Angkor Sangkran in 2023. Angkor Sangkran
With Khmer New Year celebrations set to take place from April 13-16, the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals has advised ministries and state institutions across the country to prepare themselves accordingly.
In a March 7 instruction, Kong Sam Ol, Royal Palace minister and chairman of the committee, noted that every year, the occasion is celebrated joyfully by Cambodian people at home and abroad.
In order to ensure the celebrations adhere to the Kingdom’s unique traditions, the committee advised all relevant parties to organise the festivities in an appropriate and orderly manner.
The committee also instructed the Royal Palace ministry to organise a suitable ceremony, in line with the will of the King.
Sam Ol called on all national and sub-national level state institutions and pagodas to erect portraits of King Norodom Sihamoni, the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, as well as national, Buddhist and royal flags and banners with slogans.
He also instructed them to issue letters of well-wishes to the King and Queen Mother. The municipal and provincial administrations should order the owners and management of all factories, large enterprises and educational institutions, as well as resort areas, to celebrate the occasion.
He suggested that they work together to protect public order and increase fire prevention measures, while also organising traditional games.
The Ministry of Cults and Religion is charged with ensuring that the capital and provincial religion departments adorn pagodas across the Kingdom with the national, Buddhist and royal flags, as well as appropriate slogans.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts will be tasked with organising both traditional and contemporary concerts, which will be broadcast on national and private television and radio stations in celebration of Khmer New Year.
Preah Sihanouk deputy provincial governor Long Dimanche said on March 7 that having received the instructions, the provincial authorities has advised the town and district administrations to make preparations to manage traffic flow and maintain public order.
t has also instructed various institutions and private sector representatives to decorate their premises in order to beautify the province.
“Because Preah Sihanouk is one of the Kingdom’s key tourist destinations, we must guarantee the safety of our domestic and international guests. We will hold concerts and organise traditional games that will delight our visitors and residents alike,” he added.
The committee recommended that the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of National Defence collaborate to ensure public order is upheld, and traffic is well managed, before, during and after the celebrations.
“They should work with the capital and provincial administrations to prepare containment measures, and stamp out any activities which go against national laws or traditions,” it added.
