The history of the Regatta Festival has been
chronicled by the Cambodian people and also foreigners for a very long time. In
fact, the festival is depicted in stones of the Angkorian period.There are
three defferent histories to the festival, each quite distinctive.
1. According to the
chronicle of King Jayavarman VII in the ancient Academic Buddhist Institute, it
is claimed; in the 12th century of the Angkorian era, Cambodia had achieved
peace and prosperity following Preah Bath Jayavarman VII's success in a naval
war with the neighboring Chams. The war victory(1177-1181 AD) liberated
Cambodia and is inscribed on the bas relief of the Bayon Temple and the Banteay
Chhmar Temple. On the bas relief there are images of the navy with Preah Bath
Jayavarman VII bravely wielding a fighting stick and bow on the royal barge.
2. According to
documentation written by Mr. Trach Pen, the lay teacher of the Academic
Buddhist College in Kampuchea Kraom Kleang Khet, it is mentioned that: In the
Longvek era (2071 BE. 1528 AD). Preah Bath Ang Chann I appointed Ponhea Tat to
the position of King Tranh (District King) of Kampuchea Kraom Bassak District.
Racing at the junction
allowed easier access for many provinces. The event became an annual tradition
providing the navy with the opportunity to show its military prowess.
3. It is said that the
water festival is one of the most spectacular traditional events. It is
described as being similar to some festivals held in the north of Europe today.
Some traditionalists claim the history of the festival lies in close connection
with the history of Buddha, however, others translate that the festival
represents a thanksgiving to the Gods of Water and Earth for providing the
livelihood and welfare for the Cambodian people. One final translation relates
to the festival following the tradition of Brahmanism and reflecting the daily
life of the farming community.
The District King assigned a royal
administration to defend his district. He divided his navy into three different
types of boats with his troops trained in specific fighting styles:
Group 1- The Vanguard: A boat that is similar in
shape to today’s racing boat.
Group 2- The Reserve Army: The rowing boats
traveled two abreast.
Group 3- Bassak Army: A large boat with a roof
structure, fixed oars and sail. This boat is similar in shape to the
traditional used on the Bassak. The boat was used primarily to store the army’s
supplies.
The navy was headed by
the King on Earth and King Tranh who directed four ministers (Four Columns).
During the period of the full moon in November the four ministers mobilised
their troops for a campaign for one day and one night. The navy was ordered to
a boat race on the river Peam Kanthao in Khet Kleang at a junction of the
river.
The water festival is
held on the full moon in November coinciding with the rainy season. During this
time the lakes flood creating great seas and in turn it is time to harvest the
rice. When the Mekong River swells during the period August to November, the
waters flow into the Tonle Sap Lake from the south to the north. Then in the
low water season following November, the lake waters ebb and the flow reverses
back from the Tonle Sap into the Mekong River from the north to the south. This
annual flooding of the Mekong River, with its source in Tibet, provides the
livelihood for many Cambodian farmers.
The silt that is carried
by the flood waters is extremely fertile providing a rich resource for
Cambodia. The crops produced in the low water season are essential to the
welfare of the Cambodian people.
For this reason the
Khmer people choose the full moon of Khe Kadek as the time to conduct the water
festival, the procession of illuminated floats, the salutation to the moon, and
the Auk Ambok as a means to express their profound thanks to the Mekong River
and Tonle Sap River.
The festival is usually
held for three days, i.e. the 14th and 15th of the waxing moon and the 1st of
the waning moon. Festivities take place in front of the Royal Palace.
The Festival of Illuminated Floats (Bondet
Protib)
This festival
consecrates Preah Changkaum Keo (the main parts of Buddha) in the Naga World
and the Buddha's footprints in the five directions detailed below. The Khmer
people conduct this festival during the full moon of November. it is believed
that great merit and prosperity will be provided to the country.
In Pali Teathavong scripture it is said that the
four Preah Changkaum Keo are dedicated in four directions: Traitroeng Paradise,
Naga World, Srok Kanthea and Toan Borakaling Roath
In Pali Pheana Veara it
is said that the footprints of the Buddha are located in five directions:
Sovann Mealika Barapoat, Sovann Barapoat,Sovann Koda Barapoat, Yoonka Borei and
Stoeng Neamatea.
In the prose and Pali
praise of Preah Bath "Yortha Bate" it is also said that Buddha's
fottprints are located in five directions as in Pheana Veara.
The Fistival of the Sampeah Preah Khe and Auk
Ambok
Sampeah Preah Khe means
the salutation to the moon. Auk Ambok means the offering of bananas and Ambok.
This tradition is based on ancient Khmer legends.In the first phrase of Pali
scripture of Baromathatibani Atha Katha Chariya Bedak, it is said that the
Great Buddha was born on the full moon as Sasa Bandit or "Wise man born in
the form of the Rabbit".
Indra
decided to test the faces by disguising himself as an old Brahman and begged
for Sasa Bandit's flesh as food. Sasa Bandit told the old Brahman to light a
fire and once the fire was burning strongly he shook himself three times to let
the insects perched on him to escape and then leapt into the flames.
Fortunately the flames did not touch Sasa Bandit and the old Brahman hurried to
carry him to the moon in his arms. He drew an image of the rabbit on the moon
in Maneang Sela "plaster" and wished the figure of the rabbit long
life. Under the power of the Buddha and the resolution of Indra, the shape of
the rabbit has appeared in the moon ever since. To reflect this belief the
Khmer people celebrate it annually during the full moon of the Khe Kadek. They
prepare special cakes, Ambok and bananas to salute the moon.
