Happy Khmer New Year

Siem Reap provincial governor Sou Phirin announced that celebrations of the Khmer New Year or “Angkor Sangkran” would be held in the Angkor archaeological park.

The word ‘Sangkran’  means movement and refers to the sun moving into a new zodiac sign. Some say this means welcoming new spirits. “We will celebrate our annual Khmer New Year in front of Angkor Wat temple, Bayon Temple, and Elephant Terrace following our tradition” added Bun Tharith, deputy Siem Reap governor.

“More than 3,000 Cambodian youths, actors and actresses will participate and we are ready to welcome 100,000 local and international visitors during those days.”

Traditional games and dancing, handmade and commercial goods exhibitions and food exhibitions will be a part of the occasion to make the ceremony more exciting.

Bun Tharith said, “Local residents and tourists will engage in traditional Khmer games, such as the Bas Angkunh or seed throwing’, Chaol Chhoung or twisted-scarf throwing, Leak Kanséng or twisted-scarf hiding, and they will dance together to traditional Khmer songs.”

Development Workshop

The agriculture sector plays an important role and its growth could generate the most poverty-reducing effects, Eung Heun, representative of Siem Reap Provincial Council said on March 20 in a workshop under the theme of Local Economic Development Survey.

“To reduce poverty, the authorities should encourage villagers in the agriculture sector because it could help their living and at the same time it could be a great view for visiting tourists,” he said.The purpose of workshop was to try to find out and to examine the actual needs of residents, both physical and non-physical.

Hong Heum, chairman of the provincial commune council said that the main purposes of the workshop were to determine the strengths and weaknesses of Siem Reap’s economic development, and to explore how to increase income for its residents.