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Background: Khmer New Year, also known as 'Choul Chnam Thmey' in the Khmer language, marks the traditional end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year. It is one of Cambodia's most important holidays and is based on the lunar calendar, typically falling on April 13th or 14th.
History: The festival has its origins in Brahmanism, a religion that was a precursor to Buddhism in Cambodia. It has been celebrated for centuries, with similar new year traditions found across Southeast Asia influenced by the Indian subcontinent.
Traditions: On the first day of Khmer New Year, known as "Moha Songkran," Cambodians clean and decorate their houses. People often set up an altar with a Buddha image surrounded by flowers, incense, and food offerings. The aim is to welcome the New Year angel into their homes. Each year has a different angel associated with it according to Buddhist mythology.
Activities: Families gather for festive meals and to offer prayers at their local temples. It's common for people to visit pagodas bringing food to monks as an act of merit-making. Traditional games are played such as "Bos Angkunh," "Leak Kanseng," and "Tres." Water-throwing is also part of the celebration but tends to be more prominent on the following days.
The first day sets the tone for renewal and preparation for a prosperous year ahead. It's both a time of reflection and joyous celebration as communities come together to observe age-old customs that reflect both religious significance and cultural pride.
