Phnom penh: Cambodian people will celebrate the three-day Water Festival from Nov. 4 to 6, 2025, although the main celebration along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh has been postponed.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the postponement reflects the Royal Government’s priority in addressing the situation along the Cambodian-Thai border, particularly the welfare of displaced civilians and Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand.

Nevertheless, the directive emphasised that provincial and local authorities may still organise Water Festival celebrations in accordance with local traditions, customs, and their respective capacities. Civil servants, employees, and workers will continue to enjoy the three-day public holiday as usual.

The Water Festival is one of the most joyful and anticipated annual events in Cambodia. Traditionally, people from across the country flock to Phnom Penh to enjoy the festival’s main attractions: boat races, Loy Pratip (the floating parade of illuminated boats), Sampeas Preah Khe (the Moon Festival), and Ok Ambok (the ceremony of eating roasted, flattened rice with banana or coconut juice).

Each year, the Water Festival marks the end of the monsoon season and expresses gratitude to nature, especially water, for providing fertile harvests, while also celebrating Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and history.