Cambodian authorities preparing for ‘safe, festive’ Khmer New year celebrations

Author: Hong Raksmey The Phnom Penh Post March 11, 2026 Source: asianews

PHNOM PENH – Government ministries, provincial administrations and security forces across Cambodia have been instructed to step up preparations to ensure the upcoming Khmer New Year (Sangkran) is celebrated in a festive, safe and culturally rich manner, while promoting national traditions and maintaining public order.

According to a directive issued by the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals (NCONIF), authorities nationwide have been tasked with coordinating activities, strengthening security measures and promoting traditional customs during the three-day celebration, from April 14 to 16.

“The traditional festival marks the transition into the Year of the Horse in the Khmer calendar,” noted the directive.

“The New Year (Sangkran) will officially begin at 10.48am on April 14, followed by Virak Wanabat on April 15 and Veareak Loeng Sak on April 16,” it added.

The directive calls on government institutions and provincial administrations to decorate public buildings and streets with national flags, religious flags and royal banners, alongside colourful lighting and banners to create a festive atmosphere.

“Local authorities have also been instructed to encourage businesses, factories, schools, entertainment venues and tourist destinations to decorate their premises in celebration of the holiday,” it said.

Traditional activities will play a central role in this year’s celebrations.

Provincial administrations have been urged to organise Khmer folk games such as chol chhoung, bos angkunh, tug-of-war, teat sei, hide-and-seek games and traditional dancing at public spaces and tourist sites to promote Cambodian culture.

Religious ceremonies will also take place at pagodas across the country, including sand-mountain building rituals, Buddha statue cleansing ceremonies and the traditional water-blessing rites for elders and parents.

At the same time, authorities have been instructed to ensure strict security and safety measures.

“The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of National Defence have been tasked with coordinating with local administrations to maintain public order, manage traffic and ensure the safety of citizens and tourists visiting pagodas, entertainment venues and tourist destinations during the holiday,” it said.

The directive also calls for the prevention of illegal or unsafe activities that contradict Cambodian traditions, including gambling, the throwing of water or talc and the use of dangerous explosives.

Authorities have also urged the public to take precautions to prevent fires caused by candles, incense or other flammable materials commonly used during the festival.

Media institutions have been encouraged to widely broadcast coverage of New Year celebrations, including religious ceremonies and traditional festivities, to audiences both domestically and internationally.

As part of the wider celebrations, Phnom Penh is planning a large-scale event titled “Nokor Sangkran”, which is scheduled to run for six days, from April 14 to April 19.

The event aims to celebrate Khmer cultural heritage while promoting tourism and economic activity in the capital.

Speaking during a March 2 discussion with leaders from the Ministry of Information and media organisations, Minister of Civil Service Hun Many said celebrating Khmer New Year goes beyond simple festivities.

“Celebrating the New Year is not only about observing traditions, but also about strengthening national identity, especially at a time when there are external challenges,” he said.

“It is also an opportunity to reinforce the spirit of the Khmer family and contribute to the economy,” he added.

He stressed that celebrations should highlight Cambodian identity and unity while remembering frontline soldiers and displaced citizens.

“This year, more than ever, we must emphasise national identity. It is not only about enjoyment, but about strengthening national pride,” Hun Many added.

According to Sok Sopheana, executive team leader and a permanent member of the central committee of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, the Nokor Sangkranta event is still in the planning stage but is expected to take place at several major locations in Phnom Penh.

These include Wat Phnom, the Chaktomuk pedestrian zone, parks from Vattanac Capital Lifestyle to the Night Market, the Wat Botum park area, Bassac Lane and Tuol Tompoung Market.

Planned activities include cultural villages, traditional games, classical dance performances, Khmer martial arts demonstrations, chess and giant chess competitions, Buddha statue processions and community tug-of-war competitions.

Some zones will also feature music concerts, relaxation areas and commercial stalls.

Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said the Nokor Sangkran celebration is more than just an entertainment event.

“It is a platform to showcase national identity, youth unity and the vibrancy of Phnom Penh,” he said, adding that the media will also play an important role in communicating Cambodia’s situation to the international community.