PHNOM PENH, Nov. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Cambodia's annual Water Festival, the biggest festival in the capital Phnom Penh, kicked off on Tuesday in front of the Royal Palace, which is expected to attract about 2 million people all-over the country.

    King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to watch the boat racing Tuesday afternoon on the first day of the festival celebrations which will last through Thursday.

    The festival is to commemorate one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable natural occurrences: the annual reversal of the current of the Tonle Sap River.

    A platform has been prepared on the riverfront for VIPs, such as government officials, parliamentarians and diplomats to watch the boat racing and the nightly procession of illuminated boats. Eight of the lantern-boats sponsored by ministries and Royal Palace will be towed up the Tonle Sap each night before the nightly fireworks display begins.

    One of the main festival activities is the boat racing. It is expected that about 400 boats are to race in the three-day festival this year, and around 23,700 rowers will take part in the races.

    What is the most attractive at Tuesday morning's boat-racing is No. 205 boat with a banner reading "Representing the voice of people living with HIV" It was said that the team members were all HIV-positive, including eight women.

    Classical performances and pop concerts will also be played in the public parks for people to enjoy. The buildings and trees along the main roads were decorated with lights, flags and banners for festival.

    Phnom Penh Municipality promised to strengthen capital's public security measures during the Water Festival.

    Some 4,000 police, military police and deputy district governors in Phnom Penh were ordered to provide security and public order and the armed forces are asked to be on alert 24 hours a day during the holidays. Enditem