Phnom Penh: More than 480,000 festival-goers registered on the first day of Wat Phnom Sankranta

Wat Phnom and Walk Street were abuzz on 14 April, as more than 480,000 festival-goers gathered to celebrate the Khmer New Year 2025, marking the first day of the three-day Wat Phnom Sankranta 2025.

According to Ms Dor Samphors, deputy director of the municipal administration of Phnom Penh and spokesperson for the town hall, around 430,000 national and international visitors visited the historic site of Wat Phnom, while around 50,000 visited the Walk Street area.

The event, officially inaugurated by H.E. Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, and his wife, offered traditional ceremonies, cultural performances, traditional folk games, as well as lively water and talc spraying activities.

Despite the rainy weather, the celebrations continued energetically, with more than 600,000 participants recorded from 12 to 14 April.

Wat Phnom Sankranta, which took place from 14 to 16 April, honoured the year of the snake with: religious rituals; welcoming the New Year's angel; cultural performances promoting Khmer traditions; family entertainment for locals and tourists.

The authorities provided enhanced security and effective crowd management, allowing participants to enjoy the festivities in complete safety.

With two extra days of celebrations, even larger gatherings are expected.

AKP