AKP Phnom Penh, April 17, 2026 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service H.E. Hun Many led a ceremonial procession of a Buddha statue from Ounalom pagoda to the historic Wat Phnom on Thursday, marking the third and final day of Khmer New Year celebrations.

Accompanied by many other senior officials as well as Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng, the Deputy Prime Minister – who also heads the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) – presided over the "Srang Preah" water blessing ceremony, a centerpiece of the "Nokor Sankranta 2026" festivities.

The sacred statue, placed atop an ornate Busabok throne, was ritually bathed to symbolically wash away past misfortunes—paving the way for blessings, prosperity, and peace in the year ahead, according to traditional belief.

An organising committee member revealed that the water used in the ceremony came from the sacred Kulen Mountain. 

"This holy water blesses the Buddha statue at Wat Phnom to pray for national peace, the well-being of the Cambodian people, and the protection of our frontline troops defending territorial integrity," the official said.

The ritual also carries deep family meaning. After temple ceremonies, devotees return home to perform similar water blessings for parents and elders—seen as "living gods"—strengthening family bonds during the annual holiday.

This year’s Nokor Sankranta, a six-day cultural showcase from April 14-19, is a joint effort by the UYFC and the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration. It features over 20 major religious and artistic performances, Khmer product exhibitions, and three concert stages for locals and international tourists alike.

Attendance far exceeded expectations. Organisers initially estimated around 2,000 participants for the Wat Phnom rituals, but several thousand people joined the festivities.

Under Governor Khuong Sreng, city authorities have maintained high security and public order throughout the three-day peak, ensuring a safe environment for the massive crowds celebrating across the capital.

By K. Rithy Reak