Water festival activities at present:

Water Festival is observed in all provinces, but many Cambodians travel from the provinces to the capital city, Phnom Penh. They usually stay for at least two days to enjoy the festivities. People gather in Phnom Penh for large boat races, illuminated floats, a moon salutation, and the consumption of special rice made with banana or coconut juice.

Many people devote their entire day to the boat races. Khmer find a spot along the river, spread out a picnic mat, and eat and drink while cheering on their teams. Participants in boat races typically arrive a few days before the race to practice along the Tonle Sap River. Individual donors and government officials frequently sponsor boats.

After the races, you will see people floating numerous floating candles along with small, handmade boats in the river. Larger illuminated boats are produced by various government ministries on their own. Beautiful fireworks displays take place later in the evening and last for about 20 minutes.

Since it is a three-day national holiday, many Cambodians spend the time celebrating with their families. They go to see the boat races, and some travel around the provinces to see how different communities celebrate the water festival.

The full moon falls on the second night of the Water Festival. Many people celebrate and pray to the moon by placing fruits, coconuts, and special rice in front of their homes. They believe that by doing so, the moon will bless them. “There is a rabbit living in the moon and looking at us,” my mother says, and I believe her.