More than 200,000 people showed up for the two-day Water Festival held in Kandal province’s Takhmao City.

It was the biggest gathering in the province post-Covid pandemic and saw the participation of some 5,000 rowers as 92 long boat teams.

The finals of the long boat races were held yesterday and presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Boat teams came from Kandal, Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Chham, Takeo, and Prey Veng provinces, as well as pagodas that were sponsored by companies, and philanthropists.

The Ministry of Labour also entered a team for the 1,700-metre races that started at 12.30 pm until evening.

Kandal boat races spokesman Chap Vanny said yesterday said the the races saw a record number of people attending.

“We have stalls and booths selling wares and food and concerts. We also had a firework show and it brought much fun to the people.

“Even though the weather was hot, people enjoyed themselves watching the boat competition along the river bank with umbrellas and hats.

“Police, medical teams, and cleaners were deployed to keep the good order of the event.

“It did not rain nor were there any accidents. Everything went smoothly,” he said.

“There are some cases of parents losing their children in the crowd but the children were quickly found by the police,” Vanny added.

On the boat race, Vanny said every long boat had to compete in two rounds a day.

One setback, he said, was the traffic congestion around the area.

“People were waiting for the water festival for two years, which is why people from everywhere nearby Kandal province came for this traditional festival. They have been cooped up during Covid-19,” Vanny said.

Mr Hun Sen contributed $30,500 to the event with all 92 long boat teams receiving $250 each while commentators, National Television of Cambodia, National Radio of Cambodia, Kandal Provincial Department of Information, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and Kandal Provincial Department of Education Youth, and Spots received $1,250 each.

A visitor from Takeo, Chou Sophanna, said he brought his family to enjoy the boat competition and bought many items that were sold at huge discounts in the stalls and booths.

“I think this event is as good as the water festivals in Phnom Penh before Covid-19.

“My family enjoyed the fireworks and concerts in the evening. I hope this water festival will be an annual event because it is near my house in Phnom Penh’s Chhar Am Pov district and it can help reduce the number of people going to the popular Phnom Penh festival when it is held,” Phanna said.

“All long boats received financial and material support from companies and philanthropists, but one thing I noticed is that the rowers did not wear life jackets. They must wear life jackets,” he said.

The government allowed Water Festival to be held this year but not in Phnom Penh because the capital will be hosting the ASEAN Summit.