Khmer New Year, also known as "Choul Chnam Thmey," meaning entering the new year, is a national holiday celebrated annually by the Cambodian people. This is the season when Cambodians have leisure time after harvesting rice and other agricultural products. This event is the biggest festival in Cambodia and lasts for three days, on April 13, 14, or 15 (in some years, it may be from April 14 to 16).

The Cambodian New Year is celebrated similarly to other New Year festivals in Asia, blending history with religious activities, emphasizing and honoring elders and ancestors. While there is joy with traditional meals and drinks, these three days are filled with Buddhist observances, focusing on expressing gratitude, offering tributes to deceased family members, and contributing to those in need. The following preparations are made specifically for Khmer New Year.

Day 1: Maha Songkran

People clean their houses thoroughly, checking every corner. Each household displays flowers, lights, delicious food, fresh produce, traditional Khmer cuisine, and canned drinks for the altar inside and the spirit palace. Generally, the spirit palace is located outside a temple with a roof and stands on a pedestal in front of a Cambodian house. Most Cambodians believe this palace symbolizes the protective spirit of the family.

On the first day of the Khmer New Year, known as Sankranti or Moha Sangkrant in Khmer, Cambodians decorate their homes with various ornaments and bright lights for the special event. Essential preparations typically include a bowl of water with flowers, usually jasmine, five sticks of incense, five candles, sticks, flowers, desserts, fruit, drinks, and optional items.

At the hour dedicated to the year’s angel, people show their devotion at home by lighting candles and incense, praying for the angel’s blessing of happiness, prosperity, and peace for the year. According to legend, there are seven different angels, with the one presenting for each year determined by the day of the week. Additionally, some families chant on the first day to welcome the angel into their homes, while food is prepared and taken to local pagodas or Khmer temples for the monks.

Day 2: Virak Vanabat

The second day of Khmer New Year is called "Virak Vanabat" in Khmer. Locals visit temples to offer drinks, desserts, fruit, and flowers to the monks. Similarly, Cambodian families gather at the temples to honor their ancestors. Furthermore, they donate money, food, and items to those in need, based on what they can afford. Other recreational activities include:

1. Playing traditional Khmer games like the scarf-throwing game "Chol Chhoung."
2. The hide-the-scarf game "Leak Kon Saeng."
3. The hawk-catch game "Chab Kon Kleng."
4. Tug of war or "Teanh Proat."
5. Bos AngKunh.
6. Singing and dancing to lively Khmer classical songs at temples and locations throughout the country.

Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak

On the third day, or Virak Loeng Sak, Cambodians use sacred scented water to wash Buddha statues and elders. Bathing the Buddha statue is a ritual believed to cleanse sorrows, worries, and sinful acts, mimicking how clean water can wash away dirt. This act is also seen as a virtuous deed that brings blessings, satisfaction, and prosperity in life. Furthermore, by washing the elders in the family, including parents, grandparents, and senior members, children can earn joy, great wishes, and guidance for the upcoming year. This day also marks the end of the Khmer New Year celebration.

(Source: intocambodia.org)