Homage to Teachers Ceremony and Lkhon Khol Performance at Wat Svay Andet
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, H.E. Chhum Menghong, Director General of the General Directorate of Cultural Technique and Creative Industries, as the high representative of Her Excellency Academician Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, presided over the “Sompah Krou” (Homage to Teachers) ceremony and Lkhon Khol performance by the Wat Svay Andet community in Sarika Keo Sangkat, Akreiy Ksat City, Kandal Province. This traditional community event was supported by the participation of monks from surrounding pagodas and honored by the presence of H.E. Chhour Sopanha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Cults and Religion.
On this meaningful occasion, the Director General conveyed greetings from the Minister to all teachers and artists. He emphasized that the Sompah Krou ceremony is not merely a gathering for entertainment, but an act of “profound gratitude” toward the ancestral masters who preserved Lkhon Khol—an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—keeping it vibrant to this day.
Furthermore, he praised the efforts of the Sarika Keo Sangkat administration, the theater group management, and the support of the Chief Abbot of Wat Svay Andet for organizing this grand 5-day event (from April 25 to 29). The Director General also celebrated the progress of the “Khmok Smach” (lacquer-pasted sculpture) vocational training program at Wat Svay Andet, which has operated for two years with high enrollment and excellent results. He called upon authorities, citizens, and especially the youth to continue supporting, attending, and promoting the value of Wat Svay Andet’s Lkhon Khol. To encourage the performers, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts contributed 2,000,000 Riels to the troupe.
Additionally, H.E. Chhour Sopanha delivered remarks offering three points for the preservation and promotion of national culture: (1) Learning to recognize it to maintain national identity, (2) Participating in its support to keep ancient arts alive, and (3) Promoting it to pass the heritage to future generations. In the spirit of supporting the arts, the Secretary of State also made a personal contribution of 1,000,000 Riels to the troupe.
