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Cambodia is adorned with various holidays, but none quite as significant as Khmer New Year. This vibrant celebration is deeply entwined with Buddhist customs, and it serves as a sacred occasion for Cambodians to reunite with family, friends, and their entire community.
Cambodia is a country with rich culture. (Source: kotangens)
Khmer New Year, or Chol Chnam Thmay, is a New Year festival according to the traditional calendar of the Khmer people. The organization of Chol Chnam Thmay comes from the purpose of praying for the dry season to pass quickly so that a new crop can begin.
In Cambodia, Khmer New Year is the greatest traditional festival and also the greatest national holiday. It is a three day festival and sometimes can be four days. Khmer New Year begins in mid-April, depending on the “Moha Sangkran,” which is the ancient horoscope.
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Chaul Chnam Thmay is considered the biggest annual festival of the Cambodian people. (Source: Triple K Angkor)
This is because for Khmer people, April is the transition point between the dry season and the rainy season. At this time, the grass and trees become lush again, and nature awakens to life. The change and awakening of nature is considered by Khmer people as the beginning of a new year.
Because it has the meaning of welcoming the rainy season and new crops and is the biggest festival of the year, in the past, Chol Chnam Thmay Tet lasted from 10–15 days. In recent decades, in the trend of simplifying festivals in general, this festival has only 3 days left (not to mention the preparation work for many days before).
The change and awakening of nature marked the beginning of a new year. (Source: Indochina Voyages)
The origins of Cambodian New Year can be traced back to ancient Hindu and Indian traditions. Originally, it was celebrated during the end of the harvest season, which was a time of plenty and abundance. Over time, the celebration has become deeply embedded in Cambodian culture, with many unique customs and practices emerging that reflect the country’s history and identity.
However, the celebration of Cambodian New Year was banned in the 1970s under the rule of the Khmer Rouge. The festival was only revived and observed once again following the fall of the regime.
Khmer New Year has become deeply embedded in Cambodian culture. (Source: Kampá Tour)
Read more: The main festivals in Cambodia
Usually, Khmer New Year is celebrated for three days:
The first day of the Cambodian New Year is known as Moha Sangkran. This day marks the end of the old year and the arrival of the new. On this day, locals will often visit temples to offer prayers and blessings. People also go to the pagoda to offer food to the monks.
People visit temples in Cambodia New Year. (Source: Facts.net)
The second day of the festival is called Vearak Vanabat, which means the day of offerings to parents and relatives. Usually, on that day, Cambodian people like to give gifts and presents to employees and donate necessities like money, clothes, and food to poor people. In the afternoon, locals would build a mountain of sand in the temple and ask the monks to give them a blessing of happiness and peace.
New Year celebration is also an opportunity for family reunions. (Source: Triple K Angkor)
The third and final day of the festival is called Veareak Laeung Sak, which means the year starts to be counted up from this day. Traditionally, in the morning, people would go to the temple to perform the ceremony of the mountain of sand to get blessed.
In the evening, to complete the New Year festival, Khmer people need to perform the last ceremony, called “Pithi Srang Preah," which means giving a special bath or a special shower to Buddha statues, the monks, elders, and family members,... in order to apologize for any mistake done to them and to gratify them. This is also a great opportunity for people to have fun by splashing water on others.
Buddha Bathing Ritual. (Source: EXO Travel Blog)
The preparations for the Cambodian New Year are integral to the festival’s overall spirit and energy. In the weeks leading up to the event, locals engage in a range of customs and practices designed to ensure a prosperous and joyous celebration.
One of the most important tasks is the cleaning and decorating of homes. It is believed that this is a time to get rid of the house’s negative energy and make way for new beginnings. Many locals will decorate their homes with flowers, fruit, and traditional decorations, symbolizing fertility and fortune.
Buddhist altar decoration for New Year. (Source: marie martin)
Khmer people also often prepare a variety of delicious fruit cakes half a month in advance to worship Buddha. Traditional dishes are also included, which is meant to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. These may include dishes such as kho (a flavorful stew), fish curry, and papaya salad. Rice and bananas are also eaten in abundance, as they symbolize abundance and fertility.
Cambodian New Year is also time for celebration and fun, with many traditional games and activities taking place throughout the festival. There are also traditional dance performances, music concerts, and parades, where people come together to create a vibrant and joyous atmosphere, filled with music, food, and laughter.
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Khmer New Year is an occasion for many special entertainment activities in Cambodia. (Source: The Better Cambodia)
While the new year is celebrated throughout the country with the liveliest festivities focused on Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, smaller community events can be found in every province. In fact, in recent years, the government has encouraged each province to host special festivities to promote domestic travel and local economies.
Travelers can experience Khmer New Year out in the streets, joining in the water festival either in large parties like Siem Reap or in smaller, more intimate gatherings in villages or rural areas.
Joining in the water festival out on the streets. (Source: Indochina Voyages)
Travelers can also visit pagodas, witnessing traditions such as making offerings, rinsing the Buddha statue, and presenting alms to monks. During the festival, temples are open for extended hours with free entrance, making your visit even more enjoyable.
If lucky, travelers may be invited into a local home to see the rituals that are so important to the New Year, like cleaning the house and setting the altar to offer to gods.
Visit temples and pagodas during New Year. (Source: The Stockton Record)
Khmer New Year is a great time to try traditional Cambodian cuisine. Check out our below suggestions to explore the top delicious and unique foods that you’ll find during the festivities:
Kralan (Sticky Rice in Bamboo)
Kralan is made of sticky rice stuffed inside the bamboo tube and sealed with a coconut shell or banana leaf before being baked from the outside around the bamboo peel. These treats are eaten for good luck in the new year.
Kralan - Sticky Rice in Bamboo. (Source: asab 974)
Num Kom and Num Ansom
Num Kom is a steamed Cambodian glutinous rice dumpling filled with grated coconut and palm sugar and wrapped in banana leaf. Num Ansorm is a traditional Khmer sticky rice cake, typically served as a sweet sticky rice dessert with banana, but it can also be served with pork and a potato-like starch filling. Whereas the num kom is triangular, the num ansom is shaped like a thick rod.
Together, the Num Kom and Num Ansom represent the mother and father and respect for parents. Therefore, these dishes are made during big celebrations like Pchum Ben (Ancestor Day), Khmer New Year, and Cambodian wedding ceremonies.
Num Kom and Num Ansom are made during big celebrations in Cambodia. (Source: Phnom Penh Post)
Also, don’t miss out on dishes like fish amok, kdam chaa (stir-fried crabs), bai sach chrouk (pork and rice), and Samlor Machu Kroeung (sour beef soup). These are also famous dishes in Cambodia.
Follow the Cambodian calendar: To know the exact time of Khmer New Year, visitors should follow and check the calendar carefully through official information pages about Cambodia.
Be respectful of customs: When visiting Cambodia during New Year, it’s important to be mindful of the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and avoid using your camera in religious settings.
Check carefully about Cambodian customs and culture before departure. (Source: Diego Fiore)
Be prepared to get wet: When going outside or joining water festivals, travelers should wear light cotton clothes that will dry quickly and sport shoes to avoid slipping. Leave phones and cameras at home or bring a high-quality waterproof bag to protect them.
Be aware of restaurant closures: Most restaurants and shops close during the Water Festival, giving staff the chance to travel home and spend time with their family during the holiday. However, a small number of shops and fairs remain open, so there is always food to be had. Booking a hotel with dining facilities is also a convenient option.
Participate in activities: Embrace the experience of traveling during the local new year by joining in the celebrations and games. It will be a unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Save these tips to have an enjoyable holiday when celebrating Cambodia New Year. (Source: Shop LC)
Khmer New Year is a vibrant, joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to mark the turning of the seasons. From the elaborate preparations to the rituals, dances, games, and more. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country’s culture. Hopefully, this will spark your interest and inspire you to plan a trip to this amazing country.
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