It
also marks the reversal o f the
current in Tonle Sap river.
Boat
races as well as fireworks displays
are held at the river.
Recently, more than 300 boats,
propelled by precision-trained
oarsmen, took part in the annual boat
race, the highlight of the Water
Festival or Bon Om Touk. This is one
of the major events in the Kingdom
which attracts multitudes of people
from the various provinces to the
capital city, Phnom Penh. They arrive
by buses, cars, bikes, cyclos,
bicycles and even trucks. Many stay
over in the city during the three-day
festive season, lending support to
their boat team. Others use this
opportunity to explore the sights acid
sounds of Phnom Penh - for many it is
the only occasion to visit the city.
It
is not surprising that the city takes
on a carnival air during this period
open-air live concerts are held,
make-shift food stalls selling a
variety of local fare are set up in
parks and children as well as adults
take rides on ferris wheels. Colourful
buntings and banners adorn government
buildings and as night fails the Royal
Palace is brightly lit with colourful
lights. Brilliant fireworks illuminate
the night sky and flotillas, outlined
by lights, glide gracefully down the
river. This is, in fact,
Cambodia's version of the Mardis Gras.
The
Water Festival also marks a unique
natural phenomenon - the Tonle Sap
river reverses the flow of its
current. It is probably the only
waterway in the world which flows in
opposite directions at different times
of the year. The Tonle Sap lake or
Great Lake is a vast expanse of water,
once an arm of the sea, which forms
the most significant topographical
feature in country. The lake is fed by
the Mekong river and the Tonle Sap
river. From November to May, the Tonle
Sap river runs into the Mekong just
like any other tributary. But with the
arrival of the monsoon rains, there is
such build-up of water in the main
stream that excess pours into the
Tonle Sap river, forcing it to change
direction an flow back into the Tonle
Sap lake.
The
Festival also coincides with the full
moon of the Buddhist calendar month of
Kadeuk. The Cambodians believe that
the full moon is a good omen which
promises a bountiful harvest.
On
this night, especially in the
countryside, people gather to give
thanks to the moon. Special food is
prepared for this occasion - fruits,
vegetables and ambok, a uniquely
Cambodian speciality. Candles are lit,
incense burnt and offerings
made. The chief priest lights
the candles and as it drips on the
banana leaves spread beneath the
candles, predictions are made.
It is said that the shape of the
melted wax on the banana leaves
dictates the state of all future
harvest for the year.
Whatever
the predictions, it does not dampen
the spirit of the people. Most of all,
it does not stop them from having a
merry time. |
|
Burma
Joins Boat Races
Foreigners will be welcomed to compete in the Water Festival for the first
time as 48 Burmese men and women are scheduled to compete in the Nov 10-12
celebration. According to Min Khin, chairman of the festival organizing
committee, the Burmese will arrive Monday and compete in two boats built and
paid for by Cambodia. About 400 boats are expected to compete.
Cambodia
Daily - November 01, 2000 |
