Phnom Penh, November 10, 2019 –The three-day Water Festival 2019 began this morning with boat races along the Tonle Sap River, in front of the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh.
A total of 297 boats of 19,214 rowers from across the country take part in the competition, according to the National Committee for National and International Festivals.
In pair, they will challenge each other within the length of 1,700 metres, and each boat will compete in two different lines.
In addition, after the boat races, 14 illuminated boats, representing different ministries and institutions, including the Royal Palace, Senate, National Assembly, Government, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Industry and Handicraft, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, will join to beautify the river at night time during the three-day celebration.
All of the decorative lighted boats will be floated along the Tonle Sap River, from the Royal Palace to the Chroy Changvar Bridge until 10:00 pm.
There will be also the display of fireworks at around 6:30 pm after His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, lights the victory flame to kick off the parade of the illuminated boats.
By C. Nika
