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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

It is also the opportunity for young men to look for potential brides.

frank lee bent wrote:really enjoying the pics from duncan and jamie