Bonn Om Tuk, 2010, Cambodia

When the rainy season ends things come to normalcy and the people use this festival as a tool to offer their gratitude to Tonle Sap river that plays a pivotal role in the lives of the locals. On the other hand, it cheers the arrival of the fishing season as well. So, all these aspects come together to make it a sort of a national event in Cambodia. The origin of Bonn Om Tuk goes back to 9th century to the times of King Jayavarman II who had a very powerful naval force. Then the main purpose of it was to please the gods for their blessings that led to a plentiful harvest. Preparations start way before the due date and some 400 boats get ready to be a part of this mega event. These boats can be up to 20 - 30 meters long and house up to 60 oarsmen. They are decorated and coloured in the most interesting manner to give the race a catching look and feel.