Archaeological Evidence
Cambodian Tradition of Floating the Kantong or Pratip 🇰🇭
"Bandaet Kantong or Pratip"
Etymology:
- Kantong (Khmer): container made of leaves (mainly banana leaves)
- Pratip (Sanskrit): lantern, lamp,... In Cambodia, pratip can be a banana-leaves container with light or incense and candle...
- Pratip & Kantong are interchangeably used by Khmer people.
History:
This tradition has been practiced since ancient times by the Khmer people as evidenced by the carvings at Bayon and Banteay Chhmar temple built by King Jayavarman VII who worships Buddhism and partly Hinduism.
Today this tradition is observed during the celebration of the Cambodian Water Festival "Bon Om Tuk/ Boat Racing Festival" where local people float their Kantong/ pratip container to worship the Preah Mae Kongkea- Ganges (Goddess of River) as well as Buddha.
Credit to ASEAN Untold History
Credit: Koun Meak, Wishing ជូនពរ, V Gallery’s, Voranai Pongsachalakorn, & other owners
