Phnom Penh Prepares to Celebrate Khmer New Year under the Sign of National Solidarity

Phnom Penh Prepares to Celebrate Khmer New Year under the Sign of National Solidarity. From April 14 to 19, the "Nokor Sankranta" festivities will honor troops stationed on the front lines and the tens of thousands of citizens displaced by persistent border tensions.

Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Union of Cambodian Youth Federations (UYFC)

Despite a ceasefire signed on December 27 last year, the situation remains fragile at the borders, with nearly 70,000 people still homeless nearly a year after the escalation of hostilities on May 28, 2025. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Union of Cambodian Youth Federations (UYFC), defended the organization of these festivals during a meeting on March 2 with the Ministry of Information. "Celebrating Khmer New Year is not just a tradition; it strengthens national identity in the face of external aggression and supports the great Khmer family," he declared.

A Program Packed with Patriotic Symbols

The events will unfold in several iconic locations in Phnom Penh: Wat Phnom, Chaktomuk promenade, the night market, Wat Botum Park, Bassac Lane, and Tuol Tom Poung Market. On the agenda: cultural village, traditional games, classical dances, Khmer martial arts, giant chess matches, Buddhist processions, tug-of-war competitions, concerts, and commercial zones.

Sok Sabayna, UYFC public relations officer, detailed direct support initiatives. Proceeds from mascot sales and stalls will go to displaced families. The "10,000 Krama" campaign will symbolize popular solidarity, while greeting cards and traditional foods like ansom cake or roasted sticky rice will be sent to soldiers. Artistic performances will evoke the heroism of the armed forces, and festive gatherings will take place in displacement camps.

Firm Support from the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Hun Manet gave his approval on March 6, at the close of an anti-drug conference. "We can celebrate Sankranta while supporting our troops and protecting our territory. Negotiations and vigilance will continue," he affirmed, dismissing criticisms of possibly neglecting the fronts. He called for displaying posters honoring soldiers and national defense policies, and encouraged artists to visit displacement sites to ease psychological traumas.

Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, sees "Nokor Sankranta" as a showcase for national identity, youth unity, and Phnom Penh's dynamism. Hun Many hopes to attract millions of Cambodians and tourists, boosting the economy and countering insecurity images spread by a neighbor.

Beyond the Festivities, a Message of Resilience

These celebrations, inspired by "Angkor Sankranta" launched in 2013 in Siem Reap, also aim to boost domestic tourism and SMEs. Hun Many invites overseas Khmers to return and share these family moments. "Even in pain, we must remain strong and work hard," he sums up.

This Khmer New Year affirms Cambodia's resilience: traditions preserved, unity strengthened, and no forgetting the front-line heroes and conflict victims.