Why is Khmer New Year in April?

Khmer people can find free time in April because there is no rain, and it is very hot, so Khmer farmers have the time to take vacation after they have worked very hard to gather the rice crops from their fields to get their income. Therefore, April is the right time for Khmer in Cambodia to celebrate New Year.

What is Cambodian New Year called?

Choul Chnam Thmey
The Cambodian New Year (Khmer: បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំខ្មែរ, Bŏn Chol Chhnăm Khmê), also called Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer: ចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី, Chol Chhnăm Thmei, lit. ‘Enter the New Year’), is the traditional celebration of the solar new year in Cambodia.

Why Khmer New Year is important?

It is celebrated throughout Cambodia and is rooted in Buddhist traditions. This is a way to respect the Buddha and your parents, bring them health and long life, and ask their forgiveness for past wrongs. Over the three days, people also bring some food to the pagoda for ancestors who have passed away.

When is the Khmer New Year in Cambodia?

One of the most important is Khmer New Year (Khmer: បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី, pronounced: Choul Chnam Thmey). It is celebrated over three days starting from the 13 th or 14 th of April, which coincides with the end of the harvesting season. Khmer New Year is a precious time for Cambodian people to gather with family, friends and their community.

What foods are eaten at the Khmer New Year?

The Khmer New Year is also a time to prepare special dishes. One of these is a “kralan”: a cake made from steamed rice mixed with beans or peas, grated coconut and coconut milk.

How is the Jours activity performed in Cambodia?

The Jours-activity is performed by using the Onkunghs the hit the knees of the losing team. A game played by a group of children sitting in a circle. Someone holding a “kanseng” (Cambodian towel) that is twisted into a round shape walks around the circle while singing a song.