Phnom penh: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service H.E. Hun Many led a ceremonial procession of a Buddha statue from Ounalom pagoda to the historic Wat Phnom on Thursday, marking the third and final day of Khmer New Year celebrations.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Deputy Prime Minister, accompanied by many senior officials and Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng, presided over the "Srang Preah" water blessing ceremony. This event was a central part of the "Nokor Sankranta 2026" festivities, which aim to cleanse past misfortunes and usher in blessings, prosperity, and peace for the coming year.

The sacred Buddha statue, placed atop an ornate Busabok throne, was ritually bathed as part of the symbolic cleansing process. An organising committee member disclosed that the water used in the ceremony was sourced from Kulen Mountain, believed to be sacred.

"This holy water blesses the Buddha statue at Wat Phnom to pray for national peace, the well-being of the Cambodian people, and the protection of our frontline troops defending territorial integrity," the official explained.

The ritual extends beyond the temple, carrying profound family significance. After the temple ceremonies, devotees return home to perform similar water blessings for parents and elders, who are regarded as "living gods," thereby reinforcing family bonds during the annual holiday.

This year's Nokor Sankranta, spanning April 14-19, was a collaborative effort by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia and the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration. The event featured over 20 major religious and artistic performances, Khmer product exhibitions, and three concert stages, drawing both locals and international tourists.

Attendance numbers at the Wat Phnom rituals far surpassed initial expectations. Organisers anticipated around 2,000 participants, but several thousand joined in the celebrations.

Under the leadership of Governor Khuong Sreng, city authorities ensured high security and public order throughout the three-day peak, providing a safe environment for the massive crowds celebrating across the capital.