Phnom Penh: On November 18, 2024, workers in the garment, footwear, bag, and travel product sectors, along with those in other industries, began returning to work after a three-day break for the Water Festival.

Workers' paid leave during the three-day Water Festival allows them, as well as people from across the country, to reunite with their families and enjoy the exciting boat races. The festival is celebrated in Phnom Penh and many other locations nationwide.

The Water Festival is a lively three-day event that marks the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River. In 2024, Cambodia celebrated this festival from November 14 to 16. The festival features boat races, fireworks, and other fun events, primarily in Phnom Penh, where tens of thousands of people gather to cheer for their racing teams. Historically rooted in military training during the Angkorian period, it now serves as a community event to express gratitude for water and the upcoming harvest.