Source: AKP
Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen presided over a boat racing event held yesterday afternoon in Takhmao town, Kandal province.
The event, which attracted a total of 32 pairs of racing boats, is aimed to mark the end of the Rainy Retreat or Chegn Vossa Festival which fell on Oct. 16 and to select best teams for the both racing in Phnom Penh during the upcoming Water Festival, as well as to promote tourism, custom, tradition and to commemorate the bravery of Cambodian royal navy.
This year, Cambodia is going to celebrate the annual Water Festival from Nov. 13 to 15.
Boat racing is one of the most important events in the Water Festival. Last year, it was cancelled due to low level of water and drought. But, the celebration of Water Festival took place as usual with entertainment programmes and ritual ceremonies.
In 2014, the festival was held with joyfulness under the royal presidency of His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, with the participation of 248 boats of some 17,420 boat rowers.
In the last five years, the Water Festival was canceled due to many reasons. In 2011 and 2013, Cambodia called off this annual event because of devastating floods, and in 2012, it was cancelled again as the country was mourning for His Majesty the King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk who passed away on Oct. 15 in Beijing, China.