Vibrant dragon boat race held in Cambodia's Takeo province-Xinhua - 新华网

TAKEO, Cambodia, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- A thrilling dragon boat race kicked off here in southern Cambodia's Takeo province on Saturday, drawing crowds to celebrate the traditional Water Festival, said Takeo Provincial Governor Vei Samnang.

The two-day event, held on Saturday and Sunday, features 36 dragon boats and hundreds of crew members competing on Takeo Lake in Daun Keo city, he said.

"In addition to the boat races, the event includes concerts, traditional art performances, and exhibitions of local products and food, including items from the 'One Village, One Product' initiative, as well as a nighttime fireworks display," Samnang shared on social media.

The governor hopes more local and international tourists will visit Takeo province to experience this vibrant, age-old tradition.

The historic boat races honor the strength of the Khmer marine forces during the ancient Khmer Empire in the late 11th century. The Water Festival also marks the unique seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow, which connects the Tonle Sap Lake with the Mekong River. ■