November 1, 2020
Rain ceremony foretells of enough rain to grow crops next year


Ministry of Information
The Kingdom next year will have no shortage of rain for farmers to grow rice and crops to improve family livelihoods, supply food security and boost national economic growth, according to a rain-prediction ceremony held late on Saturday night at the Royal Palace.

The traditional ceremony to predict next year’s rainfall, using wax dripping from burning candles, was organised at the palace as part of the second day of the three-day Water Festival celebration in the capital, although this year the government cancelled the boat race ceremony and other celebration amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ritual involved the lighting of 25 candles – one for every 24 provinces and one for the capital – and divining the following year’s rainfall from their drippings.

The ceremony last night was presided by Kuy Sophal, High Privy Councilor and Senior Minister in charge of the general affairs to the Ministry of the Royal Palace, who represented King Norodom Sihamoni.

The King is in China for a routine medical checkup.

According to the Ministry of Information, Brahmin priests and astrologers predicted that the 12 provinces and Phnom Penh will receive a medium amount of rain at the beginning and middle of the year, and downpours at the end of the coming year.

The Brahmin priests noted that seven other provinces will receive a medium amount of rain at the beginning, little rain in the middle and downpours at the end of the year.

Additionally, two other provinces Tboung Khmum and Oddar Meanchey will receive a medium amount of rain at the beginning and little amount of rain at middle and the end of the year.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50778615/r ... next-year/