H.E. Hun Many: “Angkor Sankranta 2025 will be very special with many festive activities”

H.E. Hun Many, Minister of Public Service and President of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), stressed that the Angkor 2025 Sankranta would be a very special event, with a variety of exciting activities.

A village of traditional Khmer martial arts will be showcased at the Angkor Sankranta 2025 event in Siem Reap province

DPM Hun Many made these remarks at a press conference in the provincial town of Siem Reap on Sunday morning, on the organisation of Angkor Sankranta 2025, under the theme ‘Smile to celebrate the New Year’.

“The Angkor Sankranta 2025 event will take place in six different locations: the Angkor Wat temple complex; the Royal Residence Park; the Siem Reap River; the Royal Road; Pub Street; and Angkor Gyeongju,” he said.

H.E. Hun Many added that upcoming entertainment programmes would include the Angkor Heartbeat show, the My Village programme, Ok Chaktrang (Khmer chess), the Angkor Sankranta parade, the traditional Khmer martial arts demonstration, : classical and folk dances, the Angkor Smiling garden, Let's Play Water, the Moni Harotey garden (garden to refresh the spirit), the Siem Reap river market, the oxcart race, Srang Preah (Buddha bath), etc.

The UYFC president also revealed that His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, will preside over a grand royal blessing ceremony on 12 April 2025 in front of Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province.

“This event will mark a historic milestone, as it will be graced with the highest royal distinction, with His Majesty the King presiding over the ceremony in person,” concluded H.E. Hun Many.

About Angkor Sankranta

Angkor Sankranta is an extension of the Khmer New Year celebrations, which usually take place in mid-April. The event is organised by various groups, including the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), and is themed around concepts that can inspire positivity and optimism in participants.

Festivities include traditional games, water fights and temple visits, where people pay homage to Buddha and participate in religious ceremonies. Angkor Sankranta attracts large crowds to Siem Reap, boosting local tourism and reinforcing the cultural importance of the region.

It is designed to bring communities together and foster a sense of unity and shared heritage. It allows Cambodians to reconnect with their roots and celebrate the country's rich culture.