Discover the traditions of Khmer new year

From April 14 to 16, the Khmer New Year celebrations took place, offering an opportunity to explore the traditions of this major event in Cambodia. Let’s take a look at this emblematic celebration.

What is Khmer New Year?

This national holiday spans three days in mid-April to mark the first day of the lunar calendar. It marks the start of the new year 2561 according to the Buddhist calendar. Khmer New Year signifies the transition from the dry season to the upcoming rainy season. It is a time when most Khmer people return to their native villages to be with their families, leading to the emptying of the cities in favor of the countryside.

Moha Sangkran: The first day of the festivities

In Khmer tradition, this day is symbolized by the preparation to welcome one of God’s angels. This year, the angel Mohothareak was honored. There are seven angels, one for each day of the week on which April 14 falls each year. Each angel is represented with unique aesthetic features, but they are all distinguishable by certain characteristics, such as: holding an object in the right and left hands, riding an animal, and wearing a decorated hairstyle with accessories.

To welcome this angel as per Khmer customs, it is customary to perform a thorough spring cleaning of homes and pagodas. Additionally, fruits, flowers, candles, decorations, and incense are purchased as offerings for altars placed outside homes. The types of offerings may vary depending on the region and community. Some families, for example, place milk, sodas, cookies, and other sweets on the altar alongside other offerings and a statue of Buddha. It is also customary to offer the favorite food of the angel being celebrated. During the day, rice cakes are also prepared to be offered to the monks.

Later in the evening, around 7 p.m., Cambodians perform their prayers, burn incense, and wish each other a happy new year. Only after these rituals do the festivities begin, with music, karaoke, and dances.

Virak Vanabat: The first day of the new year

The second day of the year focuses on solidarity, where everyone contributes to helping the less fortunate. It is also the day when Khmer people visit their places of worship to honor their ancestors. Children are also involved in this day of charity, offering gifts to their parents and grandparents.

Vearak Loeng Sak: The last day of the festivities

On this final day of celebrations, children once again play an important role. The tradition is for children to wash their parents and grandparents, allowing them to be blessed and advised in their lives. Another key tradition involves cleaning Buddha statues with scented water, symbolizing the purification of faults. The belief is that this act brings luck, prosperity, and happiness for the upcoming year.

And finally, Soursdey Chnam Thmey, or rather, Happy New Year!