The Water Festival, known as Bon Om Touk (បុណ្យអុំទូក), is one of Cambodia’s most vibrant and important annual celebrations. Held in November (during the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk), this festival marks the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. The event lasts for three days and is celebrated nationwide, with the grandest festivities taking place in Phnom Penh along the Tonle Sap River near the Royal Palace.
The origins of the Water Festival date back to the Angkorian era (9th–15th centuries), when the Khmer Empire relied on its navy for military strength. King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218) is believed to have initiated boat races as a way to train and honor his naval forces. The festival also has deep ties to Buddhist and Hindu traditions, symbolizing gratitude to the river spirits for a bountiful harvest and the successful rice-growing season.
Another significant reason for the festival is the natural phenomenon of the Tonle Sap River. Unlike most rivers, the Tonle Sap changes its direction twice a year. During the rainy season, it flows northward, expanding Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake. In November, as the Mekong’s waters recede, the river reverses course, flowing southward back into the Mekong River. The festival celebrates this shift, which plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s agriculture and fishing.
Three Days of Celebration
- First Day – Opening Ceremony
- The festival begins with traditional ceremonies and longboat races (អុំទូក), symbolizing the ancient Khmer naval forces.
- Second Day – Illuminated Boats & Loy Pratip (លោយប្រទីប)
- At night, beautifully decorated illuminated boats float along the river, representing government ministries, institutions, and religious organizations.
- Third Day – Full Moon Ceremony & Sampeah Preah Khe
- The festival concludes with a special ceremony honoring the Moon Goddess. People make offerings of Ambok (អំបុក) (flattened rice), bananas, and coconuts to pray for good fortune and a prosperous harvest.
Traditional Celebrations
- Boat Races (អុំទូក) – Colorful, long boats crewed by rowers from different provinces compete in races along the Tonle Sap River.
- Loy Pratip (លោយប្រទីប) – The nighttime floating boat procession with illuminated, decorated boats.
- Sampeah Preah Khe (សំពះព្រះខែ) – The full moon prayer ceremony, where people gather to make offerings and wishes.
- Baok Ambok (បុកអំបុក) – The tradition of eating flattened rice with banana and coconut under the moonlight.
- Fireworks Display – A grand show of fireworks lights up the Phnom Penh skyline, marking the end of the festival.
The Water Festival is more than just a celebration; it reflects Cambodia’s rich history, spirituality, and deep connection to nature. It is a time of unity, joy, and national pride for Cambodians, both at home and abroad.