PHNOM PENH – As Khmer New Year approaches, all eyes are turning to Siem Reap where the Angkor Sangkranta is held. Provinces across the country have their own Sangkranta events to liven up the festive mood for tourists.

For locals and visitors alike, celebrating Khmer New Year in the provinces offers a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s spiritual and cultural richness. It’s a time when the past and present blend beautifully.

All provinces are gearing up to host their Sangkranta during the April14-16 festival.

Tourism hotspots including Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Battambang and Preah Sihanouk provinces have prepared for the event.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to visit the Angkor Sangkranta event in Siem Reap. It is a major cultural event that attracts local and international visitors and lets them experience Khmer traditions, arts and other entertainment. 

This year’s event will see a variety of exciting activities at different locations, including the Angkor Wat complex, Royal Residence Park, Siem Reap River and Angkor Gyeongju. 

In Phnom Penh, Sangkranta Wat Phnom will serve as a cultural event. The event has attracted thousands of visitors in recent years, showing the capital’s emergence as a place to visit, unlike many years ago when the city turned quiet during the new year after people went back their home provinces.

Visitor will be able to see many activities, including the welcoming ceremony of the New Year’s deity, religious rituals, traditional dances and folk games along with music performances and water fights. A five-meter-high Apsara crown also awaits travelers.

Adding to the excitement is Walking Street, which will be open from April 12 to 16.

Tourist hotspot Battambang will have its Sangkranta, featuring giant replicas of ansorm, durian and orange. The organizer has divided the area into many zones for activities.

Northeastern provinces such as Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri provinces are all holding Sangkranta events with a variety of entertainment programs along with religious ceremonies.

For those wishing to experience sun-dried clams, Kampong Cham authorities have prepared three tonnes free of charge. Sun-dried clams from the province are normally sold by vendors in various provinces, emphasizing the taste and which are often called Kampong Cham sun-dried clam.

During the three-day Sangkranta Kampong Cham, various programs are ready to welcome tourists including Khmer boxing competitions, folk games, product exhibitions and a large-scale musical concert.

Another notable celebration is Kampong Thom. Its Sangkranta event will be held at 13 locations with traditional programs, Khmer folk games and many fun entertainment programs.

Building on the success of its giant seahorse, Kampot, known as an escape heaven, has banked on a newly constructed music-themed water dance. Kampot Sangkranta also will feature folk games, art performances, large-scale concerts and a Buddha bathing ceremony.

Coastal Preah Sihanouk province will see visitors welcomed to its pristine sandy beaches. Provincial authorities have decorated the road with lights to welcome tourists.

There will also be art performances, Khmer folk games, large-scale concerts, exhibition booths as well as recreational sports, water lantern floating and fireworks.