A traditional Khmer water-sprinkling blessing ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 25, led by Wat Dhammararam, to celebrate the historic occasion. After the ceremony, the public will be able to watch traditional Khmer dance performances by the Morodok Angkor Dance Troupe and Proleung Seilaphak, showcasing the richness of Khmer arts and culture.
The program aims to celebrate national cultural heritage and introduce Khmer civilization to international audiences, particularly through the reclining Vishnu, a precious bronze sculpture from the Angkor era.
The reclining Vishnu is a Cambodian heritage treasure that has been permitted to go on temporary display in the United States. The exhibition is part of cooperation between the National Museum of Cambodia, the Guimet Museum in France and an American museum, highlighting the artistic achievements and splendor of Angkor-era Khmer civilization.
According to historical records, fragments of the statue were discovered in 1936 at West Mebon temple in the Angkor area of Siem Reap province. In 1950, the fragments were brought to the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh for preservation. The statue is approximately 1,000 years old and demonstrates the advanced bronze-casting skills of Khmer artisans.
Having been buried for centuries, the statue suffered corrosion and fragmentation. In 2024, Cambodia permitted it to be taken to France for expert study, conservation and restoration. This work helped reassemble the fragments and reveal the statue's form more clearly.
The display of the reclining Vishnu in the United States is not only an exhibition of a rare ancient artwork, but also an opportunity for international audiences to learn about the history, beliefs and artistic achievements of the Khmer people during the Angkor era.
Through the blessing ceremony, traditional Khmer performances and the exhibition of this precious heritage treasure, Khmer culture is being celebrated and shared more widely on the international stage. By: PENH Sopheak
