The Khmer New Year is also known as the Cambodian New Year, which is celebrated from April 14 to 16. This is because the Khmer people of Cambodia celebrate the holiday with a flourish. And indeed, just like the typical New Year’s Day celebrated by the entire globe on January 1, this event is filled with celebrations, fireworks, parties, and a great deal of fun! In several regions of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, this event coincides with the traditional solar new year.
The background of Cambodian New Year
The Cambodian New Year, also known as the “Khmer” New Year, has historical and cultural origins in Cambodia. On this auspicious day, locals believe a new deity descends to take care of the world.
Dhammabal Koma, the son of a wealthy man, had effectively completed his study of the three Vedas, according to legend. His knowledge and ability to communicate with birds made him prominent. Once the monarch of gods learned of Koma’s intelligence, he presented him with a riddle to test it. The monarch, certain that Koma could not solve the riddle, decreed that the loser would be beheaded. For days, Koma attempted to solve the enigma but was unsuccessful. Eventually, he decided to commit suicide in the forest. While in the forest, he fell asleep and overheard two vultures conversing. During that discussion, he discovered the solution to the conundrum. The king was decapitated, and his daughters carried his skull on a platter in a ceremonial circle around Mount Sumeru, per his request. On this day, it is believed that a new angel descends to earth for the ceremony, bringing with him happiness and excellent weather.
To acknowledge the presence of the divine, Cambodians clean and light their dwellings with candles. They demonstrate their devotion to Buddha by offering sustenance to the spirits. Each of the three days of celebration has a designated event, and the goal is for Cambodians to create a multitude of lasting memories on their Khmer day.
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CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES
Participate in Khmer New Year’s activities
Celebrate the occasion by performing some cultural and traditional games. Ensure that everyone can play the games you’ve chosen so that no one, regardless of age, feels excluded.
Attend the festivities.
On this day, events are conducted throughout Cambodia to mark the occasion. These events are highly engaging for both foreigners and locals. Attend a party and party all night!
Explore the capital city
Explore Phnom Penh, the largest metropolis in Cambodia and the nation’s capital. The region is well-known for its Central Market, Royal Palace, and National Museum, among other historic sites.
5 FACTS REGARDING CAMBODIA
There are 19 spoken languages in the nation.
About 95 percent of Cambodians identify as Buddhists.
Cambodia was once a colony of the French Empire.
Tourism, Cambodia’s second-largest source of income, is a significant industry.
Birthdays are not traditionally celebrated in the country.
CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 14 | Friday |
| 2024 | April 14 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 14 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 14 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 14 | Wednesday |
