Hundreds of Cambodian villagers on Tuesday took part in a rare traditional guardian spirit ceremony praying for good fortune, rain and prosperity, as they aimed to preserve this ancient tradition.
Better known in Khmer as “He Neak Ta” the ritual ceremony was held some 25 kilometers northwestern of capital Phnom Penh. Young men painted scenes from local folklore on their faces and bodies, dressed up as spirits and donned grass skirts while the young women donned traditional clothes.
The mostly Buddhist people of Cambodia, also subscribe to animism, a belief that spirits can inhabit all sorts of living and inanimate object.
