Tradition: Tens of thousands of people flock to Phnom Penh for the 1st day of the Water Festival

The first day of the three-day Water Festival attracted tens of thousands of visitors from all over Cambodia to the capital Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh became a vibrant and animated place, with exhilarating boat races, illuminated floats known as ‘Pratip’ and a traditional moon salute ceremony - ‘Sampeas Preah Khe’.

The banks of the Tonle Sap, from the Chroy Changvar bridge to the island of Koh Pich, were filled with people eager to watch the dugout races. On the first day, 174 pairs of brightly decorated boats from all over the country began racing over a distance of 1,700 metres, to the sound of songs and drums.

Local vendors set up along the riverbanks, offering a variety of delicious food, traditional handicrafts and other items.

This year's Water Festival will take place from 14 to 16 November. This three-day festival is one of Cambodia's most important and festive events.

Every year, the Kingdom organises the Water Festival to mark the end of the monsoon season, to thank nature, particularly water, for productive harvests, and to commemorate the country's rich culture and long history.

Last year, the Water Festival attracted some five million visitors, many of them foreign.

More photos here...

AKP