Lesson 27: Water Festival

Lesson 27: Bon Om Touk: The Water Festival

Welcome, water warriors! 🛶🌊

Get ready to experience one of Cambodia’s most vibrant and exciting festivals – the Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk. This three-day celebration marks the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. Let’s explore the history, traditions, and the joyful spirit of this unique event!

The Legend of the Reversed River

The Water Festival celebrates a natural phenomenon: the Tonle Sap River reversing its flow. During the rainy season, the Mekong River swells, pushing water back into the Tonle Sap, making it the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. As the dry season approaches, the flow reverses, and the Tonle Sap feeds back into the Mekong. This unique event is a source of life and abundance for the people of Cambodia.

Traditions and Festivities

The Water Festival is a time for joyous celebrations throughout the country. Let’s discover some of its most iconic traditions:

1. Vocabulary:

   • Boat Races: The highlight of the festival, with colorful long boats competing fiercely.
   • Illuminated Floats: Beautifully decorated floats paraded on the river at night.
   • Moon Salutation (Sampeah Preah Khe): A ceremony to honor the moon and give thanks for the harvest.
   • Amok: A traditional Khmer fish curry steamed in banana leaves.
   • Fireworks: Spectacular displays that light up the night sky.

2. Festival Research:

   • Research the Water Festival to learn more about its history, significance, and traditions.
   • Use online resources, books, or interviews with locals to gather information.
   • Take notes on interesting facts and details you discover.

Sharing and Showcasing

1. Presentation:

   • Prepare a short presentation (5-7 minutes) about the Water Festival, sharing your research findings with the class.
   • Use visuals (photos, videos) to enhance your presentation.
   • Focus on describing the traditions, activities, and atmosphere of the festival.

2. Boat Making Challenge (Optional):

   • Get creative and build your own model boat for the Water Festival!
   • Use cardboard, paper, or any other materials you have available.
   • Decorate your boat with colorful patterns and designs.
   • Share your creations with the class and explain their significance.

Let’s Discuss!

• What do you find most interesting or unique about the Water Festival?
• Have you ever attended a boat race or similar event?
• How does the Water Festival compare to other festivals you know?

Did You Know? The Water Festival is a public holiday in Cambodia, and millions of people travel to Phnom Penh to witness the boat races and festivities.

Your Turn!

Imagine you are a reporter covering the Water Festival. Write a news article describing the excitement, energy, and traditions of the event. Be sure to include quotes from participants and spectators to capture the spirit of the celebration!