Cambodia calls off biggest annual festival over drought fears hinh anh 1A Water Festival of Cambodia (Source: siamsmilesblog.blogspot.com)
This year’s Water Festival of Cambodia, which features traditional boat racing, was called off due to fears about low water levels in the Tonle Sap River, a Mekong tributary.

The event was initially scheduled from November 24-26.

Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a directive stating that the cancellation was necessary, and the government needed to gather its forces to deal with the drought.

Provinces’ preparations for the Water Festival will be held normally and people will still have a three-day holiday.

The boat-racing festival, one of Cambodia’s biggest annual events, takes place on Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

Last year’s festival saw 100 teams and 250 boats compete. It attracted approximately 2 million visitors over three days.-VNA
VNA