Phnom Penh, April 14 -- The Cambodian government held a royal prayer ceremony at the ancient Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province on April 13-14 to mark the traditional New Year festival Choul Chnam Thmey.

Presided over by King Norodom Sihamoni, the ceremony followed royal rituals to pray for peace and prosperity in the new year and to preserve the country's cultural heritage.

Attending were top Cambodian leaders including Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, and other senior officials, diplomats, monks, and international guests. Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu and his spouse were also present.

The ceremony featured traditional chanting by 79 monks, royal prayers, ritual...