The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts spokesman Sum Map yesterday clarified facts concerniing UNESCO’s listing of Thailand’s Songkran festival on its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
Map said he noted that the UNESCO listing that recognises Thailand’s new year festival is called, “Songkran in Thailand”, and not “Songkran of Thailand.”
He added that the distinction is important because the recognition of Songkran in Thailand does not affect the significance of Cambodia’s own Moha Sangkranta festival, or those of any other country.
On December 6, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced that the Traditional Thai New Year Festival will be included on its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
UNESCO Thailand’s official website is promoting the Thai traditional New Year with the official name “Songkran in Thailand, Traditional Thai New Year Festival”.
The contemporary word “songkran” derives from the Indian Sanskrit word “sankranti” and means a repeating cycle of time throughout the year signifying a change of seasons.
“Moha Sangkranta has become a tradition in some Southeast Asian nations, which is recognised now as an intangible heritage of mankind,” Map said.
He added that UNESCO always encourages all countries to register jointly for intangible heritage of shared forms. He noted that Moha Sangkranta in Cambodia may be registered in 2026.
“We have a list of priorities for Cambodia of our intangible heritage, such as scarves and noodles. It is possible Moha Sangkranta in Cambodia may be registered in 2026 if we prepare to file it next year according to the procedure. UNESCO requires two years to evaluate and decide on registration.”
Cambodian historian Sambo Manara said yesterday that Moha Sangkranta is just a festival.
“Sangkranta is a word that signifies the New Year. For me, when it comes to Sangkranta, it is just a word that indicates a time that we celebrate the New Year,” Manara said.
Moha Sangkranta festival is the
largest annual holiday in the Cambodia. On the occasion, revellers
participate in religious ceremonies, visit their families in their home
provinces and travel to tourist destinations.Credit By:...https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501405363/ministry-clarifies-the-significance-of-moha-sangkranta-festival/
