The 3 Days of the Khmer New Year (Traditional Celebrations)
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 1:26 am
I go back to the provinces to celebrate the Khmer New Year with my khmer friends to celebrate it the tradional cambodian way, after something PucketRichard posted in another thread i thought id start a new thread up to show what goes on in the provinces during Chaul Chnam Thmey, and share what we get up to, doing the traditional things in the day time and drinking and dancing in the pagoda grounds at night, its such a fun experience
here are some of my Pictures from last years khmer new year, with quotes from a website to explain whats going on...
here are some of my Pictures from last years khmer new year, with quotes from a website to explain whats going on...
The first day of the Khmer New Year is called Moha Songkran. The time around New Year is the only time when young Cambodians are allowed to meet and engage in “mixed” plays. It is also the opportunity for young men to look for potential brides.
At the beginning of the festival, people usually cook food and bring it to the monks in the pagodas. The pagodas are also a good place for Cambodians to meet other people who are also born in their region or who went to school together, but now live and work in other places. The pagoda thus becomes a place of reunion, meeting old friends and exchanging news about their lives. During the festival, many traditional games are played, such as throwing of “Ongkunhs”, rope pulling contests, and others.
The Second Day of the New Year is called Wanabat. This means “Day of Giving”. Traditionally, on this day one gives gifts to parents, grand-parents, and elderly people. Children receive new clothes, and poor people are given money or clothes. In the evening, the monks in the pagodas are asked to give a blessing.
The third day of the New Year is called Tanai Lieang Saka and means “new beginning”. After seeking the blessings of the monks in the morning, a joyful farewell celebration is held in the afternoon. In the streets and in public places, people pour water on each other. Children and young people throw baby powder and flour at each othe