Fact Desk: Culture
Choul Chnam Thmey: The Khmer New Year
• Duration: 3 Days
• Reason: End of Rice Harvest
• Greeting: "Sursdey Chnam Thmey"
The Khmer New Year, or *Choul Chnam Thmey*, is the most significant holiday in Cambodia. Unlike the Western New Year in January, this festival takes place in mid-April. This timing is intentional; it marks the end of the traditional harvest season. Farmers have finished their hard work in the rice fields and can finally rest before the rainy season begins.
The Three Days of Celebration
Day 1: Moha Songkran. The first day is the inauguration of the New Angels. People clean their homes and prepare food offerings to welcome the new deities who come to protect the world for the coming year.
Day 2: Virak Vanabat. This is the "Day of Giving." It is a time to think of others. Cambodians often offer gifts to their parents, grandparents, and elders. They also donate money or clothes to the poor to build merit.
Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak. On the final day, the focus turns to cleansing. People wash statues of Lord Buddha with perfumed water. This ritual symbolizes washing away bad actions from the past year. Children also wash the hands of their parents as a sign of respect and to ask for forgiveness.
Fun and Games
While the mornings are for religious ceremonies at the pagoda, the afternoons are for fun! In villages across the country, people play traditional games. Popular games include *Chol Chhoung* (throwing a scarf), *Bos Angkunh* (throwing large seeds), and *Leak Kanseng* (hiding a towel). It is a joyous time filled with music, dancing, and wishing for prosperity.