The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in collaboration with Pursat Provincial Hall, will hold a two-day exhibition of “Morodok Yoeung” (our heritage), the first of its kind to be held in Pursat this year. Many performances and other activities will be offered to the public, to cultivate their love for the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

The event will take place on April 8 and 9, at the January 14 Park and Museum in Pursat town.

It will include a diverse range of programmes, from drawing and cooking lessons to kite making workshops. There will also be an exhibition of traditional artefacts, with a display of the food and handicrafts of the Por minority ethnic group sure to be a highlight.

Live performances of Khmer traditional music, a circus performance by the Phare Ponleu Selpak Association, a chapei dang veng performance by Tep Vohar El Pech, and ensemble performances of traditional shadow theatre (Sbek Thom) and Kien Svay Krao Lakhon are also scheduled.

Siyonn Sophearith, director general of the culture ministry’s General Department of Cultural Technology, told The Post on April 5 that much of the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage has been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.

“Some of our heritage has been lost, but so much of it remains today, thanks to the efforts of the ministry, along with the work of the Khmer people, the true owners of our heritage,” he said.

“Organising events such as this one remains important; it serves as a kind of outreach programme which lets the public – especially the young – see and understand their cultural heritage. One of the culture ministry’s priority policies “the preservation and promotion of Cambodia’s intangible cultural heritage”, is the main drivers for events like this,” he added.

He suggested that the cultural event would also be a fantastic networking and marketing opportunity for artists and artisans.

“This could be a great chance for them to plan similar occasions, and develop the tourism industry through cultural performances,” he said.

Kok Ros, director of the ministry’s Department of Books and Reading, said he felt privileged to be a part of a team that was working together to conserve the heritage of its ancestors.

“We are holding this year’s event in Pursat, but next year we will take it to another location. We are pleased to have the opportunity to help the youth get to know their national cultural identity. It is simple – when young people understand the culture, they will love it. When they love it, they will dedicate themselves to preserving it for generations to come,” he explained.