Cambodia, Thailand celebrate traditional New Year festival

Angkor Songkran festival in Cambodia (Source: VNA)

The five-day festival was the sixth of its kind hosted by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia since 2013.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said the festival affords Cambodia a chance to introduce its long-standing culture and civilisation to friends at home and abroad.

He expressed his belief that on the back of the past achievements, the Cambodian government and people will continue driving the country forward.

Later, the PM and guests enjoyed music and martial arts performances, and folk games.

The New Year’s Eve will take place at 9am on April 14. Between now and April 16, Cambodian people nationwide will conduct rituals to ring in New Year and join entertainment activities.

The festival also took place in Bangkok, Thailand the same day.

The New Year festival, called Songkran in Thailand, Chol Chnam Thmay in Cambodia, Bunpimay in Laos and Thingyan in Myanmar, is celebrated in April every year, attracting tourists by native traditional cultures, festive atmosphere and water splashing tradition to wash away bad lucks and pray for a new good year./.

VNA