Khmer New Year is the biggest event in Cambodian tradition. During Khmer New Year, Cambodians celebrate the arrival of the new year with a three-day festival filled with cleaning homes, visiting temples, playing traditional games, and enjoying family time. The festivities often culminate in water fights and vibrant street celebrations.

How do they greet Khmer New Year?

The transliteration for Khmer New Year is Chaul Chnam Thmey. To wish someone a happy new year, you say "Soursdey Chnam Thmey".

What is the tradition for Cambodians during Khmer New Year?

Khmer new year will celebration in Apirl, In 2025 Khmer New Year is celebrated from Monday, Apr 14th to Wednesday, Apr 16th, 2025.

Before Khmer New Year, Cambodians prepare their homes by cleaning and decorating to welcome relatives during the three-day celebration.

The celebration consists of three days:

Day 1: Maha Songkran People clean their houses thoroughly and place offerings to welcome the "angel" of the new year.

Day 2: Virak Vanabat This day focuses on charity and family. Cambodians give gifts to their parents, help the less fortunate, and visit pagodas to honor ancestors.

Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak On the final day, statues of Buddha are washed with scented water, symbolizing purification. Children also bathe their parents and grandparents to receive blessings for the future.