Bon Om Touk (Khmer: បុណ្យអុំទូក, Bŏn Om Tuk, lit. “Boat Racing Festival”), or the Cambodian Water Festival is most famous for its dragon boat races, with a festival that goes for 3 days. Traditionally it commemorates the end of the rainy season as well as the change in flow of the Tonlé Sap River back from the Great Lake to the Mekong River at Phnom Penh, which is the conjunction of four rivers, known as Chaktomuk.
This year there will again be activities like boat races along the Sisowath Quay riverfront, fireworks, and evening concerts. Traditionally this is a time to pray for peace from Preah Mae Kongkea or the Goddess Ganga. This goddess is viewed as the mother of the rivers and lakes and protects and provides the water for humans and animals. The sacred Khmer river, Tonle Sap gives festival goers an opportunity to communicate their love and respect for nature to the goddess through prayers of gratitude.
As you celebrate the festivities this year, from home or along the river, be sure to make some extra wishes to bring you, your family and your associates prosperity, luck and happiness.
Happy Bon Om Touk!
