Cambodia prepares for traditional New Year celebrations

[geovalin]

Cambodia is preparing to celebrate its traditional Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Horse, which will fall on April 14-16.

People have begun to leave capital Phnom Penh on Sunday for their hometowns in provinces in order to enjoy the largest holiday occasion with their families.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has blessed the compatriots with best wishes on the occasion.

"May the Year of the Horse bring the Cambodian people with four Buddha's blessing: longevity, nobility, happiness and strength," the premier said during a graduation ceremony for about 1,800 students at the Human Resources University on Thursday.

He also called on people to do their utmost to avoid road accidents when they are leaving for home and returning during the New Year celebrations.

"I'd also like to appeal to all armed forces and local authorities everywhere in Cambodia to maintain security and protect people's safety while they enjoy the New Year holiday,"he said.

Early this week, the Phnom Penh Municipality issued a directive, advising local authorities to strengthen security and public order for the people during the holiday.

The directive also banned people from gambling, splashing water on each other, throwing bags of water on travelers and painting charcoal or powder on other faces during the celebrations.

Traditionally, days ahead of the New Year, Trot dance, a Khmer traditional dance, is invited to perform at houses, shops, ministries or institutions as a symbol to drive away all bad luck from the past year and to greet the New Year.

During the three days of the New Year celebrations, people prepare food, fruits and soft drinks on altars and light candles and incense sticks in order to greet the New Year's angel.

Besides, they bring food and praying belongings to offer to Buddhist monks in pagodas in order to dedicate to their ancestors and wish for longevity, good luck, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.

New Year is also the time for young girls and boys to gather and play a variety of traditional games, dancing and singing in the vicinities of pagodas and tourism sites throughout the country.

The celebrations mark the end of rice harvest season and preparations for the next planting season in May.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/854240.shtml