Welcome Angkor Sankranta, kingdom of Cambodia.
Khmer New Year, also known as "Choul Chnam Thmey," meaning entering the new year, is a national holiday hosted by Cambodians annually. It is the season when Cambodians have free time from harvesting rice and other agricultural commodities. The event is Cambodia's largest event and lasts three days, on the 13th, 14th, or 15th of April (in a specific year, it could be on the 14th to 16th of April).
Cambodian New Year is celebrated just like other Asian New Year Festivals that blend history with religious practices, emphasizing and commemorating the seniors and ancestors. While there are merriments with traditional meals and beverages, the three days are packed with Buddhist compliance centered on performing gratitude, sending offerings to deceased family members, and contributing to those in need. The following preparations are exclusively made for the Khmer New Year.
Day 1: Maha Songkran
People clean their houses, and every single corner is checked. Each household displays flowers, lighting, delightful foods, fresh produce, traditional Khmer cuisines, and canned beverages for the interior altar and the spirit palace. Generally, the spirit palace stands outside a roofed shrine; it rests on a pedestal in front of a Cambodian's house. Most Cambodians believe that this palace stands for the family's protecting spirit.
On the first day of the Khmer New Year, it is known as Sankranti or Moha Sangkrant in Khmer. Cambodians embellish their houses with plentiful decorations and brilliant illumination for this special event. More importantly, the common preparation may include a water basin with flowers, usually jasmine, 5 incense, 5 candles, sticks, flowers, desserts, fruits, drinks, and other items of choice.
At the designated hour for the angel of the year, people will then pay tribute in their houses by burning candles and incense, praying the angel will bless them with happiness, prosperity, and serenity during the year. According to the legends, on Moha Sangkran, there are seven different angels, and the one who presents for each year is determined by the day of the week. On top of that, some families also pray the Dharma on the first day to greet the angel into their house; meanwhile, the culinary is also prepared and brought to the local pagoda or Khmer temple for the monks.
Day 2: Virak Vanabat
The second day of the Khmer New Year is called "Virak Vanabat" in Khmer. Locals visit the Buddhist pagodas to present refreshments, desserts, fruits, and flowers to the monks. Likewise, Cambodian families always gather at temples to commemorate their ancestors. Furthermore, they donate money, food, and stuff to the underprivileged based on what they can afford. Other fun activities include:
1. Playing Khmer traditional games, such as tossing the towel known as "Chol Chhoung."
2. Scarf Hidden Game is called "Leak Kon Saeng."
3. Catching the baby hawk meant "Chab Kon Kleng."
4. Tugging Game or "Teanh Proat."
5. Bos AngKunh
6. Dancing and singing happy-classical Khmer songs at pagodas and other locations across the country.
Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak
On the third day or Virak Loeng Sak, Cambodians use holy fragrant water to cleanse Buddha statues and their elders. Bathing the Buddha statues is a ceremonial ritual that locals believe washes away the sadness, sorrow, and sinful behaviors, replicating how clean water can wash the dirty things. This aspect is also regarded as a genuine act that will grant blessing, contentment, and wealth in life. Furthermore, by washing their elderly family members, including parents, grandparents, and elders, the children may acquire great joy, wishes, and tremendous direction for the year ahead. It is also the concluding day of the Khmer New Year celebration.
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