• Society

Water Fights Face New Year Curbs

• By Meng Seavmey
• and Kith Bopha
• April 7, 2023 5:10 PM

PHNOM PENH – All types of water fights and throwing powder have been banned during Khmer New Year celebrations to avoid accidents, especially on the roads.

Instead, people were encouraged to play Khmer traditional games, Phnom Penh City Hall said.

Other banned activities include hitting people by hand or with sticks even if in a playful way, racing motorbikes and chasing travelers on the roads.

“Such activities can cause accidents and harm to other people’s life, especially those who are travelling,” City Hall said.

A Phnom Penh resident, who asked not to be named, said banning the activities on the roads and at homes should be fine, but playing with water or water fights at least should be allowed around Sangkranta event areas. 

Playing with water had been a part of Sangkranta event culture and would be good during hot weather.

The resident agreed that throwing powder should be banned because it would be a convenient opportunity for boys to take advantage of girls.

Khoun Sereyroth, also from Phnom Penh, said splashing water and throwing powder should be banned only along the roads and should be allowed within the Sangkranta events and family reunions.

“On the streets, if people want to play throwing powder, they should also ask for other people’s permission,” she said.

Another Phnom Penh resident, who asked to stay anonymous, said City Hall’s decision was understandable and reasonable.

It was fun to play with water but would appear wasteful.

However, the first resident said water shortages were only in some areas, so playing with water at one Sangkranta event area would not be a problem in another.

Many other people would have to join in for a lot of water to be used.

“If it was just one person, maybe it'd just be a drop in the bucket, but it wouldn't be like that. Hundreds or thousands of people would be playing, and when adding it together, the amount of water required would be a lot,” she said. 

In addition to water-fights and throwing powder, City Hall also bans gambling, fireworks and explosive items. 

City Hall also called on people to obey traffic laws and not drive while drunk to avoid accidents.

People are also urged to check their electricity, stoves, ovens, candles, and incense in their homes to protect their properties.

Phnom Penh City Hall will hold one Sangkranta event at Wat Phnom and another at the Win-Win Monument to celebrate Khmer New Year from April 14 to 16.