Happy Khmer New Year!!!
by Vichhay (Chai)
Founder at TravelED Asia
Khmer New Year is a three-day celebration. It usually falls on April 13th or 14th and marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year.
The first day of Khmer New Year is called Moha Sangkran, which means “Welcome the Angels”. They believe that the new gods will come to take nourishment from the fruits and give their blessings to the home.
The second day is called Virak Vanabat, which means “Day of Giving”. On this day, people give gifts to their family members, friends, and neighbors. They also visit pagodas to make offerings to monks.
The third day is called Vearak Loeng Sak, which means “Farewell to the Old Year”. On the last day people bathe statues of Buddha and their parents and grandparents with water blessed by monks. In the Khmer language we say “Srong Tek”. This is a way to respect the Buddha and your parents, bring them health and long life, and ask their forgiveness for past wrongs.
Decorations: People prepare decorations for the Cambodian New Year celebration by cleaning their houses and decorating them with flowers and lights.
Food: Like most New Year festivals, food plays a large role in the Cambodian New Year. People prepare traditional dishes such as amok, somlah machou khmae (a sour soup), and nom banh chok (a rice noodle dish).
Games: People play traditional games such as chhoung (a game played with a ball) and leak konseng (a game played with a scarf).
CAMBODIA
+855 175 66 393
vichhay@traveled.asia
Taphul Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
+855 175 66 393
vichhay@traveled.asia
Taphul Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia