School children take part in the traditional game of Angkunh tossing. Chanbo Keo
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has encouraged public and private educational institutions across the Kingdom to encourage children and students to play traditional Cambodian folk games and take part in dances during Sankranta celebrations at schools and the upcoming Khmer New Year festivities. Analysts believe that leadership and guidance will be required to ensure the students’ participation.
In a March 31 directive, education minister Hang Chuon Naron called for all educational institutions to join in the preservation and promotion of Khmer culture, beliefs, customs and national traditions to ensure their longevity and prosperity, while also avoiding negative outside influences.
He urged all schools to “create opportunities for children and youth to engage in Khmer folk games and dances before and during the traditional Khmer New Year celebrations, such as circle dances, classical dances and Saravan dances, as well as Khmer folk games like Angkunh tossing, Chaol Chhoung throwing, leaf-grabbing and the tug-of-war”.
“All games that are not traditional Khmer folk games or dances, as well as those posing risks, insecurity or danger — such as burning or shooting firecrackers, water splashing, throwing powder and similar activities — should be prohibited,” he added.
The Khmer New Year festival will take place from April 14 to 16. However, at schools and universities, New Year celebrations or so-called “Sankranta at schools” will begin next week.
Chhort Bunthang, a specialist in education, culture and tourism, told The Post that he believes the guidance issued by the ministry was a positive step at this time, and also hereafter.
However, he noted that its implementation is another matter, as directives or appeals without enforcement rarely lead to action. He added that even laws with mandatory provisions are still difficult to enforce.
“We can keep calling for it, explaining it and continuing our efforts, but how much gets done depends on what we’re capable of achieving. I fully support — 100 per cent — the guidance from the education and culture ministries, as well as the other government institutions that consistently issue similar appeals and instructions every year,” he said.
“If the younger generation turns to playing Khmer folk games, it’s a good thing because these are part of our intangible cultural heritage. If people don’t play them or promote them, they will disappear,” he added.
He emphasised that playing these folk games requires organisation and leadership. Relying solely on children to play them on their own would be a mistake.
“Nowadays, we see our younger generation playing on smartphones, splashing water, smearing powder, eating, drinking and dancing. Folk games might not seem as lively or exciting to them,” he suggested.
“Therefore, suitable venues and supervision must be put in place to make them happen. If it’s just about issuing directives without leadership, it’s merely a pleasant-sounding suggestion,” he noted.
