Brief History of Bon Om Tuk…

In Cambodian (Khmer) Bon Om Tuk literally means the festival of boat races. It has a long interwoven history and connection with religious legends and Cambodian navy practices as part of military preparedness for invasions from her neighboring countries. It was held annually at the Chaktomuk River in front of the Royal Palace in the Capital City of Cambodia, Phnom Pehn.

Long after, civilians picked up this tradition and converted it into a well-known, favorite competitive sport, i.e., Pranang Tuk or boat races that drew thousands of spectators from across the country. They celebrate this event annually from late October until early of November when the water revolves from Tunlae Sap river and levels off.

There are a bunch of activities happening at the same time beside boat races, namely Awk Ambok (eating flatten sticky rice with coconut juice and banana), Sampeah Preah Khae (worshiping the moon), and Bandaet Pratip (floating the lights). Having done the 2nd part of the event make Cambodians feel that they had kept the promise to give thanks to the mother earth, especially the Mekong river that brought plenty of water and fertile soil to their fields. Moreover, since the majority of Cambodians are Buddhists, they made a connection between Buddhist legends to the 2nd part of the event.

Similar festivals are seen celebrated in Cambodia's neighboring countries, such as Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, ...

A DAY TO REMEMBER!

Today, is definitely a day to remember. When I was asked to say a few words, first thoughts were...there will be thousands of people from all cultures looking...listening...wondering, WHO IS THIS GUY. Wait, I am asked to speak at the Asian Water Festival, in front of thousands of people..a melting pot of cultures, why am I scared? I am HONORED. YES!! I WILL Remember This DAY!

I want to recognize CASNET and all the volunteers for putting together this fabulous event. As one Unified TEAM, they were able to bring THIS! to you, to us, to all of us. Thanks to YOU - CASNET, we will Remember this DAY!

As I look out, I see young, I see old, I see families, friends, nationalities unified, together, in celebration.....That is something to be proud of. Thanks to you CASNET and ALL Volunteers, sponsors, supporters, WE WILL REMEMBER THIS DAY!

To each and everyone of you all here today. smile big. yell as loud as you like, as much as you like. Enjoy this moment. There will NOT be another day exactly as this. There will be many cameras anxiously waiting to capture this very moment, this very celebration, this very history. TODAY! will be our history. The people who put this event together have made this possible for all of us.

A testament to how amazing this event turned out and the impact it has on the people, see these few pictures. Click on the gallery for a many more captured memories. From little children laughing, enjoying the experience, to the old reliving what they once use to see as a young age, the generous stars, singers, that sacrificed their personal time simply to be part of this spectacular event.

To each and all of you that put a smile on my face, and the other thousands of faces, my most sincere appreciation. Thank you for the memories. YES, I...WE WILL REMEMBER THIS DAY!!!

Enjoy the pictures and thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Beautiful performances	busy-camera-man	CASNET Volunteers finally after the event was over, the cleanup, and some little time to pose for the camera. A salute to you all for your dedication and enless sacrifices.	THE Defender of Thea Park. Look at the bravery, the focus, the patience.
Extreme-Competitors - having too much fun even if they did not take the #1 trophie home	gracefull-lady-dragons - gracefull they were. The muscle men were put to the test and they barely passed. Watch out for these gracefull lady dragons next year.	happy-volunteers - finally some time to relax and share a few smiles.	honorable-guests Mayor Bill Baasma – Mayor of Tacoma kicks off the event with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. Here as he poses for the beautiful performers.
Win/Lose - did it matter? Well, in the end, there were complete UNITY.	Teams as far as Oregon came to compete and to take part of this memorable event. Team Oregon United, did they take the trophie home? Well...maybe next year. :)	Outstanding MCs that kept the audience listening and entertained.	Team Oregon United, over-excited for an opportunity to compete with teams that earned the respect from last years events. They had fun win or lose.
There were many races where it was neck to neck, paddle to paddle, yelling, screaming, cheering. Simple out of this world FUN and exciting. WIN or LOSE, the moment will be REMEMBERED. "United We ARE, TOGETHER WE CELEBRATE"	Volunteers finally having a break and being a little silly. They deserve it. They work very hard to make this event possible.	The Khmer Krom team epitimize UNITY. Their team work and competitive spirit were unmatched. One of the most exciting teams and a favorite to win.	A World TV fan, one of CASNET's water festival sponsors. Among other's were Western Union and many more. For a list of sponsors, please go to click here:
There were FANS as young as these little darlings lost in the moment as they are enjoying the performers on stage.