Khmer New Year, known in Khmer as បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី (Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei), is one of the most important and joyful holidays in Cambodia. In 2025, the New Year will be celebrated from Sunday, April 13 to Tuesday, April 15. The celebration spans three days filled with ancient traditions, religious ceremonies, family reunions, and vibrant cultural festivities. To truly appreciate Khmer New Year, it’s important to understand its historical origins and deep cultural significance.
Historical Background
The Khmer New Year marks the end of the traditional harvest season and the beginning of a new cycle in the Khmer lunar calendar. Historically, Cambodian farmers would work hard during the dry season to prepare and harvest rice. By mid-April, as the heat peaks and before the monsoon rains arrive, it was a natural time to rest and give thanks. This seasonal transition developed into a deeply spiritual and social holiday.
Khmer New Year also has roots in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The date is aligned with the sun’s movement into Aries, an astrological event celebrated in many parts of South and Southeast Asia. In ancient times, the festival honored the deities of time and fortune. Over the centuries, with the rise of Theravāda Buddhism in Cambodia, religious aspects of merit-making, water blessings, and temple rituals became central to the celebration.
The Three Days of Celebration
Day 1: Moha Sangkran (មហាសង្រ្កាន្ត)
The first day signifies the end of the old year and the welcoming of a new angel (Thevoda) who comes to protect the earth for the coming year. Cambodians clean their homes, decorate family altars, and dress in traditional attire. Offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense are made at temples to gain blessings. Many people visit pagodas to offer food to monks and light candles for good fortune.
Day 2: Virak Vanabat (វារៈវ័នបត)
On the second day, people engage in acts of charity and compassion, remembering elders and helping those in need. Families often visit the elderly to offer them gifts and perform the “Srong Preah” ceremony, where water is gently poured over the hands of parents and grandparents as a sign of respect and blessing. It is also a time to reflect on moral values and spend quality time with family.
Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak (វារៈឡើងស័ក)
The final day is the official start of the new year. Temples become lively with traditional rituals, including the bathing of Buddha statues with perfumed water. This symbolic act represents the washing away of sins and bad luck. The younger generation often play water games in the streets, symbolizing renewal and joy. The celebrations end with dancing, music, and traditional games like Bos Angkunh, Leak Kanseng, and Chol Chhoung.
Modern Celebrations Across Cambodia
While the core traditions remain, Khmer New Year has evolved into a nationwide festival that combines ancient rituals with modern entertainment. Cities like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Battambang host large public celebrations featuring parades, concerts, and water fights, similar to Thailand’s Songkran. Tourists and locals alike join the festivities, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
In villages, the celebrations are more traditional, with community feasts, local temple ceremonies, and games that bring generations together. No matter where it’s celebrated, Khmer New Year is a time of spiritual renewal, gratitude, and unity.