KHMER NEW YEAR

Event: Khmer New Year

Location: Countrywide

Khmer New Year is the most important traditional festival in Cambodia, celebrating the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year according to the Khmer calendar. 

The holiday is celebrated across the country with joyful activities that bring families and communities together. People clean and decorate their homes, visit pagodas to make offerings to monks, and honor their ancestors. 

Common celebrations include:

• Visiting pagodas and giving alms
• Traditional games and dances
• Water splashing and friendly gatherings
• Family reunion and festive meals

Cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap host large public celebrations, cultural performances, and street festivities, making it one of the most vibrant times of the year in Cambodia. 

The first day of the traditional Khmer New Year is called Maha Sangkran, and Maha Sangkran is always celebrated on a different day every year, according to the turn of the seven goddesses, the daughters of Kapila Maha Brahma.

1. If Sangkran falls on a Sunday, it is the turn of Princess Tunsasa Devi

2. If Sangkran falls on a Monday, it is the turn of Princess Koraksa Devi

3. If Sangkran falls on a Tuesday, it is the turn of Princess Rakshasa Devi

4. If Sangkran falls on a Wednesday, it is the turn of Princess Manda Devi

5. If Sangkran falls on a Thursday, it is the turn of Princess Kirini Devi

6. If Sangkran falls on a Friday, it is the turn of Princess Kimira Devi

7. If Sangkran falls on a Saturday, it is the turn of Princess Mahotra Devi

Varavanpat Day (2nd day of the Khmer New Year)

Vara Van Bat Day is the second day of the Khmer New Year. On this day, children give clothes, food, and money to the rich, the benefactors, parents, grandparents, etc. Sometimes they give alms to servants or the poor.

Vara Khuy Sak Day (3rd day of the Khmer New Year)

On the last day of the Khmer New Year, called the Day of the Rising Sun, Khmer people will invite monks to cross the sand mountain in the morning. In the evening, monks will bring water and Buddha images, and then they will play many fun folk games such as throwing a stick, throwing a bamboo stick, pulling a string, hiding a scarf, catching a kite, etc.