PHNOM PENH: While Siem Reap is busy organizing Angkor Sankranta, other provinces across the country are also busy preparing for Sankranta events in their own respective districts, villages and communes to create a happy and celebratory atmosphere for all citizens nationwide.
This year's Angkor Sankranta event in Siem Reap province is being organized across six different venues: at the Angkor Wat complex, the Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor Kyung Yu, Pub Street, the garden in front of the Royal Palace, and on the banks of the Siem Reap River.
In Battambang province, there are two locations where the main provincial Sankranta event is being organized: at the statue of Nak Ta Dambang Kranhong and at Net Yang High School from 12-16 April. Battambang province has organized exhibits such as a giant krorlan, a giant rabbit statue, and an entertainment program including concerts and exhibitions.
Preah Vihear Province will also hold its own Preah Vihear Sankranta at the provincial hall from 15-16 April to attract tourists to participate in Khmer traditional games and dances.
Pursat province will organize Koh Sampov Meas Sankranta in front of the provincial hall in Peal Nhek 2 village, Sangkat Phteah Prey in Pursat city. Kampong Thom province will also organize Kampong Thom Sankranta from 14-16 April at Stung Sen Park. Banteay Meanchey province is also organizing recreational events at three locations: at Banteay Chhmar temple, at Suon Meanchey and at Wat Ratanaram.
Kampong Speu province will also organize its own Sankranta at Samdech Preah Sangkhareach Chuon Nath Park, Chbar Morn City. Kampong Chhnang Sankranta will be held at two locations: Samdech Kong Sam Ol Park in front of the CMAC Center in Sangkat P'er, and at Chhwang Sen Chey Park. Svay Rieng province will organize its Sankranta at the Svay Rieng Independence Monument roundabout.
As for the coastal provinces, Kampot will organize its Sankranta at the durian fruit roundabout, with stalls selling products and booths where citizens can make traditional Khmer desserts. Kep will organize Sankranta at the garden in front of Kep Provincial Hall. Koh Kong province will organize Sankranta events at four locations: at the garden in front of the provincial hall, at Wat Tep Nimit, Wat Choat Nhan and at Pak Klang beach. Sihanoukville will also organize city-wide Sankranta events.
In Mondulkiri, the Sen Monorom Sankranta will be organized in Sen Monorom city, while Ratanakiri province will also organize Sankranta at the Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts.
In Kandal, there will be Sankranta events organized at Phnom Preah Reach Trop or Phnom Oudong in Phsar Dek commune, Ponhea Leu district for 3 days from 14-16 April.
Phnom Penh will also be bustling, as a major Sankranta festival is being planned at Wat Phnom with hundreds of colorful lights and decorations.
Before the Khmer New Year, schools, pagodas and other institutions organize Sankranta events and create fun entertainment programs for people to enjoy. Homes, companies and institutions across the country will be cleaned and decked out with traditional Khmer decorations.
