SIEM REAP: The Deputy General and Spokesperson of the APSARA Authority, Long Kosal, announced on Thursday afternoon that they will be organizing a five-day event to celebrate the Angkor Wat temple complex from 12-16 December, 2021.

He added that the event is intended to honor the ancestors who worked hard to build and maintain the Angkor temples so that they still stand to this day, to maintain efficiencies in the context of globalization and to also recall the legacy of the King's Thanksgiving ceremonies performed during the Angkorian period. Most of all, he said that this event will act as a show of gratitude and appreciation to the heroes, dignitaries and ancestors of all generations who have sacrificed their bodies and minds to build, maintain, protect and preserve Cambodian cultural heritage.

The Deputy General gave some details about the event, saying that there will be a religious program held in front of Phnom Bak Kheng temple, a Big Skin shadow theatre performance by the Wat Reach Bo art group, Lakhon Bassac performances and many other forms of art. He added that the APSARA Authority will also provide the public an opportunity to visit and learn about the current work being done at the temple repair sites. This way, the public can become more aware about the conservation efforts and sustainable development of the Angkor temples.

The APSARA Authority said that this is the first time they have organized an event to commemorate the Angkor temples, and from now on, this is intended to be an annual event to show gratitude to the ancestors of the King, which is a source of great pride for all Cambodians. The Deputy General added that the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, Men Sam An, the Minister of the National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection, and many other dignitaries will be in attendance.