The Khmer New Year is a traditional celebration that lasts three days.
- The first day is called "Maha Sangkran",
- The second day is "Vireak Vanabat", and
- The third day is "Vireak Leung Sak".
The exact date and time when the old year ends and the new angel (Tevada) arrives are carefully calculated using traditional astrology, known as Maha Sangkran calculations.
Calendar and Timekeeping
Since the Angkor era, Cambodians used the lunar calendar, starting the new year in the month of Miggasir (the first month) and ending in Karttik (the twelfth month).
Later, Cambodians started using the solar calendar (based on the sun) to mark the new year, which is now celebrated in mid-April, when the sun moves from Pisces (Min) into Aries (Mesa).
Typically, the Khmer New Year begins on April 13, but it sometimes starts on April 14.
There are two types of Sangkran:
- "Samnang Sangkran" – when the sun passes directly overhead.
- "Ayangta Sangkran" – when the sun passes at a slight angle.
Although both the lunar and solar calendars are used together, the solar calendar is more important for marking the New Year, while the lunar calendar is still used for Buddhist religious events.
Preparations Before the New Year
Before the New Year starts, Cambodians clean their houses, prepare food, store water, gather firewood, and make or buy new clothes.
When the New Year arrives, people prepare offerings to welcome the new angel (Tevada). These offerings include:
- One pair of cooked rice
- One pair of traditional desserts (Slatorm)
- 5 incense sticks and 5 candles
- One pair of scented water
- Flowers, betel leaves, and areca nuts
- A container of clean water, soft drinks, snacks, and all kinds of fruit
Houses are decorated with colorful lights and lanterns to welcome the new angel.
When the exact time comes for the angel to arrive, family members sit together near the offering table, light incense and candles, sprinkle scented water, and pray for happiness and good fortune in the new year.
Each year, people offer items based on the preferences of the angel who is said to be arriving. For example, if the angel enjoys beans or sesame, those items will be included in the offerings.
The Three Days of the Khmer New Year
Day 1 : Maha Sangkran:
- People bring food and offerings to monks at the pagoda.
- In the evening, they carry sand to the pagoda to build small stupas (sand hills) around the temple or sacred trees.
- Later, people offer drinks to monks and listen to Buddhist sermons.
Day 2 : Vanabat:
- Children give gifts (such as food, clothes, and money) to their parents, grandparents, and elders to show respect and for blessings.
- Some people also donate to the poor.
- In the afternoon, people continue building sand stupas and listen to monks' teachings.
- They invite monks to perform water blessings and dedicate merit to deceased relatives.
Day 3 : Vireak Leung Sak:
On the 3rd day of Khmer New Year, called Vireak Leung Sak, people perform a ritualistic bath of holy, scented water over Buddha statues, symbolizing the washing away of past sins and bringing blessings for the New Year.
Children also bathe their parents and grandparents to show respect, ask for forgiveness for mistakes made in the previous year, and receive good wishes and advice for the year ahead.
Another custom is to build a sacred sand hill at pagodas, representing a stupa, to pray for good fortune.
Fun and Games During New Year
People also enjoy traditional games and dancing, such as:
- Angkunh throwing (បោះអង្គញ់)
- Pot breaking (វាយក្អម)
- Scarf hiding (លាក់កន្សែង)
- Tug of war (ទាញព្រ័ត)
- Traditional circle dancing (រាំវង្ស)
- Trot Dance (របាំត្រុដ)
Meaning of the Khmer New Year Celebration
The New Year is celebrated in April (Chaitra month) because it marks the time when the sun enters Aries, believed to be a fresh beginning.
Cambodians believe that over the year, people face many difficult things, such as sadness, illness, and bad luck, and may even do things they regret. The New Year is a time to:
- Wash away the bad things from the past year
- Wear new clothes
- Relax and have fun
- Start fresh with hope and happiness
It's also a time when families and relatives reunite, especially those who live far away. They come back home, spend time together, and refresh their bonds before continuing their work or studies with new energy.
Another important meaning of the New Year is to promote love, respect, and unity within the community. That's why people don’t just celebrate at home, but also go to pagodas (Buddhist Temples), which are seen as places to bring people together and strengthen social harmony.
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