Thbong Khmum's Annual Traditional Collective Fishing Ceremony.

The annual traditional collective fishing ceremony took place on February 14 at Boeung Trapeang Krorm, in Satum village, Choam Kravien commune, Memut district, Thbong Khmum province.

Presided over by Provincial Governor His Excellency Dr. Pen Kosal and his wife, this 2026 edition brought together thousands of participants, celebrating a Khmer heritage over five centuries old.

Historical Roots and Cultural Significance

This pre-Angkorian ritual occurs during the dry season, after the rice harvest, when the waters of the 30-hectare lake—fed by 20 satellite ponds—recede, trapping tons of fish in the mud. Villagers, wading waist-deep in the muck, use ancestral tools: bamboo traps (angrut), woven baskets (chhneang), conical nets (trok), and rattan trays (klus), symbolizing harmony between humans and nature. A strict three-month fishing ban beforehand, enforced by guards, preserves biodiversity amid overfishing and climate change, ensuring record catches shared in a communal feast.

Event Proceedings and Preserved Authenticity

The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with Buddhist blessings, followed by collective fishing accompanied by songs and laughter. Only manual tools are allowed; motors and modern nets are banned to pass these skills to the youth amid modernization, as Governor Kosal emphasized during his February 2 inspection. Stands of nom banhchok (rice noodles), romvong dances, and trog drums turn the site into a popular fair, drawing tourists seeking authenticity.

Touristic and Community Impact

Organized by the provincial administration, this festival strengthens local unity and positions Thbong Khmum as a major cultural destination. Tens of thousands flock in, as in 2025 (over 10,000 participants). Bamboo bridges, shaded areas, and an official stage make it family-friendly. It's more than just fishing—it's a living Khmer testament, safeguarding traditions and the ecosystem. Photo AKP-Thbong Khmum captures the enthusiasm.