PHNOM PENH: The APSARA Authority held a prayer ceremony for peace, where guests made offerings to 131 monks in honor of the third Angkor Remembrance Day at the ancient temples. Over the next two weeks, Cambodians will recognize the value of their heritage and how it continues to benefit them to this day, while international tourists will have the honor to experience just what makes Cambodia so special.
The prayer service was attended by First Lady Pich Chanmony, Personal Adviser to the King, Men Sam An and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona along with the governor of Siem Reap, and esteemed monks, leaders, government officials and hundreds of staff from the APSARA Authority.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Phoeurng Sackona said that the Angkor Remembrance Festival is held for two main purposes: to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the inscription of Angkor on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and to commemorate the ancestors and all the previous kings who built and maintained the temples, leaving behind a precious heritage and a legacy of art and culture that serves to benefit this and future generations both socially and economically.
She added that the ceremony is dedicated to Cambodian ancestors and dignitaries across generations, along with national and international experts who have sacrificed their physical and mental strength to protect and preserve Cambodia’s national cultural heritage.
First Lady Pich Chanmony also highlighted the merits of the ancient Khmer who built the temples alongside history in accordance with the Khmer saying “When drinking water, remember the source.”
She added that the event acknowledges Angkor as a show of national pride, civilization, culture and a long history of the ancient Khmer nation. She said that the event will further disseminate Cambodia’s cultural and tourism potential so that others can see the amazing works of their talented Khmer ancestors.
Deputy Director General of APSARA Authority, Long Kosal, said that event will be held for 10 days from December 7-16 with religious ceremonies, exhibitions and performances of ancient art at night. He said that in the coming days, visitors to Angkor will be able to see works of art that are inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List such as shadow puppets and Yike theater. All programs will be open to the public, free of charge.
