Phnom penh: Senior Cambodian officials and municipal leaders gathered Tuesday at the Wat Phnom Historical Site to welcome the New Year Angel, officially ringing in the Khmer New Year.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hun Many, who also serves as Minister of Civil Service and President of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), presided over the ceremony alongside Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng. The "Nokor Sankranta" event marks the Year of the Horse, Buddhist Era 2569.

Governor Khuong Sreng said the event, organised by the municipal administration and the UYFC, aims to preserve Cambodia's ancestral traditions, boost domestic tourism, and express gratitude to frontline forces and veterans, reinforcing unity within the "Great Khmer Family."

The UYFC and Phnom Penh Capital Administration have organised a six-day cultural festival from April 14 to 19. "Nokor Sankranta" features more than 20 cultural, artistic and religious performances at key venues including Wat Phnom Historical Site, the Cultural Village near the Night Market, Vattanac Park, the former Freedom Park, and the Chaktomuk Walk Street stretching from the Night Market to the Royal Palace.

Additional festivities - including Khmer product exhibitions and live concerts - are underway at Wat Botum Vatey, Bassac Lane and Tuol Tumpoung market, offering a festive atmosphere for residents and international tourists during Cambodia's most important annual celebration.