Cambodian New Year
| Cambodian New Year | |
|---|---|
| Khmer name | បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំខ្មែរ |
| Also known as | Khmer New Year; Choul Chnam Thmey; Moha Sangkran; Sangkran |
| Practice type | Festival |
| Usual occasion | Around 13 or 14 April |
| Subjects | Celebrations & Life Passages |
Cambodian New Year is a festival practised in Cambodia and Khmer communities. (Wikipedia)
Practice
Cambodian New Year begins with Moha Sangkran, when families clean and prepare their homes, make offerings, visit pagodas, pay homage to Buddha images, light candles and incense, and receive blessings. The second day, Veareak Vanabat, emphasizes offerings and gifts to parents, relatives, elders, employees, poor people, and others in need, as well as ancestor observances and the building of sand mounds at temples. On Veareak Laeung Sak, people bathe Buddha images, monks, elders, and parents with perfumed water, while celebrations also include traditional food, dancing, music, and games such as Chol Chhoung, Chap Kon Kleng, Bos Angkunh, Leak Kanseng, and Klah Klok. (Wikipedia; Cambodianess)
History
The festival is described as Cambodia’s traditional solar New Year and as a three-day public holiday. It takes place at the end of the harvesting season, giving farmers time to rest before the rainy season; its three days have developed distinct names, meanings, and ritual itineraries. (Wikipedia; Cambodianess)
Variations
Cambodians living abroad may celebrate over a weekend rather than on the specific April dates. The supplied accounts also describe local or community celebrations in pagodas, homes, streets, and large public events, with some variation in the length and organization of observance. (Wikipedia; Cambodianess)
Communities and practitioners
It is observed by Khmer people, with families, children, elders, monks, and wider communities participating. Khmer communities outside Cambodia also celebrate it. (Wikipedia; Cambodianess)