Cambodia Pushes to Make Khmer Songkran a UNESCO World Heritage
Prime Minister Hun Manet supports efforts to protect and promote the cultural significance of the Khmer New Year
Cambodia is striving to have its traditional Khmer Songkran celebrations inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed the government's commitment to this goal during a Solidarity Dinner with Artists on March 5, 2025. He urged local authorities across the country to organize more festivals in line with Khmer traditions for the upcoming New Year celebrations. The move highlights the significance of Songkran as a shared cultural heritage among several Southeast Asian nations.
Chhort Bunthong, a cultural expert at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasized the role of public participation in safeguarding the traditions of Khmer Songkran. He stressed that citizens play a vital part in preserving the festival's authenticity through games, folk songs, and performances. Bunthong also noted that the UNESCO evaluation process is thorough and based on historical and cultural evidence, reinforcing the need to maintain the festival’s unique identity.
Prime Minister Manet also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the private sector, and local artists. He called for the inclusion of both young and veteran artists in the preservation and promotion of Khmer culture, urging them to use modern technology while maintaining traditional Khmer values. The upcoming Angkor Songkran Festival will feature traditional art performances and folk games, further emphasizing Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
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Chhort Bunthong, a cultural expert at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasized the role of public participation in safeguarding the traditions of Khmer Songkran. He stressed that citizens play a vital part in preserving the festival's authenticity through games, folk songs, and performances. Bunthong also noted that the UNESCO evaluation process is thorough and based on historical and cultural evidence, reinforcing the need to maintain the festival’s unique identity.
Prime Minister Manet also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the private sector, and local artists. He called for the inclusion of both young and veteran artists in the preservation and promotion of Khmer culture, urging them to use modern technology while maintaining traditional Khmer values. The upcoming Angkor Songkran Festival will feature traditional art performances and folk games, further emphasizing Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
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