THE KHMER NEW YEAR: A COLORFUL TRADITIONAL CELEBRATION

Every April, Cambodia comes alive with the festivities of the Khmer New Year, known as Chaul Chnam Thmey. This traditional celebration, deeply rooted in Cambodian culture, marks the end of the agricultural year and the transition to a new solar year.

Three days of celebration

The Khmer New Year takes place over three distinct days, each with its own significance and ritual:

Moha Sangkran - The first day
This day marks the start of the new year. Cambodians clean their houses, prepare offerings and go to pagodas to pray. Buddha statues are also washed with perfumed water as a sign of purification and good fortune.
Virak Vanabat - The second day
Dedicated to charity and family values, this day is an opportunity to help the less fortunate, make offerings to monks and pay homage to ancestors.
Vearak Loeng Sak - The third day
This last day is devoted to blessings. Young people pour perfumed water over the hands of their elders as a sign of respect and gratitude. Buddha statue bathing ceremonies are also held to symbolize spiritual purification.

A festival rich in tradition and entertainment

Khmer New Year is much more than just a religious holiday. It's a true cultural festival where Cambodians come together to share moments of joy and conviviality. Among the most popular traditions are:

Traditional games: young and old alike take part in ancestral games such as “Bos Angkunh” (palm-seed throwing game) and “Leak Kanseng” (scarf game).
Water and talcum powder battles: in some towns, the streets are transformed into veritable playgrounds, with locals throwing water and talcum powder at each other as a sign of purification and good luck for the coming year.
Traditional dances and shows: Apsara dance performances, parades and concerts enliven festivities all over the country.

A celebration for all our protégés

The Khmer New Year is a unique time when family, spirituality and tradition come together to create a warm and festive atmosphere. Family circumstances permitting, our residents have the opportunity to reunite with their families for a few days, to share in these celebrations as a family.

For our protégés who unfortunately don't have this opportunity, celebrations are organized at our center. The inner courtyard is decorated by the residents, they prepare food to take to the pagodas as offerings, and games are organized for the festivities.