Cars, buses and trucks jammed roads leading out of Phnom Penh on Friday as tens of thousands left the Cambodian capital to kick off the Buddhist New Year in their home provinces.
PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Overloaded buses, some with passengers clutching the sides or sitting across engine hoods, snaked through narrow streets lined with shuttered shop fronts as urban life came to a halt for the long holiday weekend.
Those staying behind gathered on street corners to play traditional New Year's games including tug-of-war. Others could be seem cleaning their houses -- a symbolic act during the Buddhist celebrations.
"It's a time to refresh," said Chuch Phoeurng, an under secretary of state with the culture ministry.
"It is a break from the undesirable events of the past and entry into a better time during the upcoming year."
Amid the revelry, however, the practice of throwing water and talcum powder on passing motorists has been discouraged by the government, which fears it could cause traffic accidents.
PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Overloaded buses, some with passengers clutching the sides or sitting across engine hoods, snaked through narrow streets lined with shuttered shop fronts as urban life came to a halt for the long holiday weekend.
Those staying behind gathered on street corners to play traditional New Year's games including tug-of-war. Others could be seem cleaning their houses -- a symbolic act during the Buddhist celebrations.
"It's a time to refresh," said Chuch Phoeurng, an under secretary of state with the culture ministry.
"It is a break from the undesirable events of the past and entry into a better time during the upcoming year."
Amid the revelry, however, the practice of throwing water and talcum powder on passing motorists has been discouraged by the government, which fears it could cause traffic accidents.
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