As Cambodia gears up to celebrate the Khmer New Year from April 13 to 16, the absence of the grandiose Angkor Sankranta event, once organised by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia in Siem Reap, has prompted local authorities to step in.

Ly Vannak, director of Siem Reap Provincial Administration, disclosed that the provincial administration will allocate $500,000 to organise the Siem Reap Sankranta event at the Reach Domnak Garden in Siem Reap City, emphasising the importance of continuing the tradition despite the challenges.

“While the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia previously organised the Angkor Sankranta, this year, due to logistical constraints, we are hosting a smaller Sankranta festival,” said Vannak.

He added that the Siem Reap Sankranta event will be organised within the provincial framework like other provinces, distinguishing it from the larger Angkor Sankranta.

Meanwhile, Civil Service Minister Hun Many, who is president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, confirmed on his Facebook page that the organisation would not be hosting the Angkor Sankranta this year, leaving the responsibility to the provincial administration.