Khmer New Year Day (Day 2) in Cambodia

Khmer New Year Day (Choul Chnam Thmey) is one of the most important holidays in Cambodia, marking the end of the harvesting season. The second day of this three-day festival is known as "Wanabot" which translates to "the day of gifts". This celebration usually falls on April 14th or 15th each year, depending on the ancient horoscope "Maha Songkran".

History and Traditions:

The origins of Khmer New Year trace back to ancient times and are linked to the agrarian cycle. It coincides with the end of the dry season and celebrates the lunar calendar's new year. The festival has deep roots in Buddhism and Hinduism, reflecting Cambodia's cultural heritage.

On Wanabot, Cambodians focus on charitable activities. It's a time for people to give to others, particularly:

• Offering Food: Families prepare special dishes and offer them to monks at temples.
• Helping the Less Fortunate: People donate to charity or help those in need.
• Paying Respect: It's common for younger members of families to pay respect to their elders by washing their feet or hands and receive blessings in return.

Activities:

On this day, Cambodians engage in various traditional activities that reinforce social bonds:

• Temple Visits: Many visit local pagodas dressed in traditional clothing.
• Games: Traditional games such as tug-of-war, "Chab Kon Kleng" (a bird-dance game), and "Bos Angkunh" (a game played with seeds) are popular.
• Cleansing Rituals: Homes may be cleansed with water blessed by monks.

Overall, Wanabot is a day centered around generosity, virtue, family bonding, and community spirit.