PHNOM PENH, March 2, 2026 – The Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) and Phnom Penh Municipal Hall plan to hold a “Nokor Sankranta” Khmer Traditional New Year event in the capital from April 14 to 19, with organisers saying the celebrations will promote national culture while raising support for displaced families and frontline soldiers.
The plan was discussed at a meeting at the Ministry of Information on Monday chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many, who is also Minister of Civil Service and president of the UYFC, according to state news agency AKP. Information Minister Neth Pheaktra and officials from media associations, journalists and UYFC members attended, AKP said.
Sok Sabayna, head of the event’s executive working group and a member of the UYFC central committee’s permanent committee, said the festival is intended to preserve Cambodia’s customs and traditions, stimulate economic activity, attract tourists and support a “Home Coming” campaign, while demonstrating solidarity with displaced communities and troops deployed on the frontlines, AKP reported.
Organisers said profits from the sale of event mascots, and part of revenue from booth rentals, would be donated to displaced families. The programme will also include a “10,000 Krama” social initiative, messages of encouragement to troops, and community activities such as making ambok and wrapping ansom, which organisers said would be delivered to soldiers.
Religious ceremonies are also planned during the festival to dedicate merit to fallen heroes and victims and to pray for peace and national well-being, Sok Sabayna said, according to AKP. Stage performances will depict the role of frontline forces in defending territorial integrity, the report said.
AKP said Khmer New Year celebrations are planned at displaced persons’ camps, and that national and international artists will produce a large “Art for Peace” mural near Botum Vattey Pagoda in Phnom Penh, intended to evoke remembrance and solidarity with fallen heroes and displaced communities.
The “Nokor Sankranta” programme will be held at multiple city locations including Wat Phnom Historical Resort, Chaktomuk Walk Street, Vattanac Capital Lifestyle Park and the Night Market, AKP said.
UYFC has previously led large-scale New Year “Sankranta” events, including in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, often blending cultural programming with tourism promotion.
