Khmer New Year, known as "Chol Chnam Thmey," is an annual cultural celebration deeply rooted in Cambodia's ancient beliefs and practices, tracing back to the Angkor era when the Khmer Empire flourished. The celebration follows the lunisolar calendar.
The date for Khmer New Year falls on either April 13th or 14th of the Gregorian calendar and is established based on the solar calendar, reflecting the use of both lunar and solar calendars. April 13th or 14th is recognized as the official Khmer New Year day.
The celebration spans three days, during which various rituals and customs are observed. Before the New Year, people clean their homes and make offerings to monks, seeking blessings for the upcoming year. The festivities aim to welcome the New Year angel, featuring traditional games and dances enjoyed by villagers. Families visit pagodas to offer food to monks, construct sand hills, and participate in bathing Buddha statues or their parents as symbols of cleansing and renewal.
Khmer New Year is also a time for family reunions, with the younger generation showing respect to their elders by offering gifts and performing acts of kindness. Traditional foods, such as Cambodian sticky rice cakes, are shared among relatives and friends, fostering a sense of community and unity.
Additionally, many people opt to travel and spend time with their families during this period. Each province welcomes the New Year differently. For instance, in Siem Reap, people gather in pub streets to engage in water and powder play, fostering relationships. In Kompot, concerts and various activities are hosted. For those who prefer not to drive, private taxi services such as Tapapp offer professional and courteous drivers who ensure a stable fare from pickup to drop-off locations during the celebrations. Book Now
Related article: Reasons that foreigners should visit Angkor Sangkran 2023 at Siem Reap