Cambodia is a country that is rarely mentioned for holidays abroad. This country also has natural beauty and tourist destinations that are no less interesting.
If you want to visit this country, choose a particular time, such as during the Cambodian New Year, which differs from the usual New Year. Are you curious about this event? Let's find out more.
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Chaul Chnam Thmey is the name for Cambodian New Year. There is a story behind this celebration. Dhammabal Koma, a young, intelligent boy, is asked to solve a puzzle by Kabil Moha Prum, the king of the gods. A terrible bet follows the request because whoever loses must lose his head.
In the end, the king lost, and Kabil Moha Prum kept his promise. After that, the king's daughters carried the father's head to Someru mountain. Eventually, this became a ritual that was held every year.
Every year at the Cambodian New Year celebration, one of the king's daughters would come down carrying the king's head to bring blessings of happiness and good weather so the people could have a good harvest.
Choul Chnam Thmey will fall every year from April 13 or 14 to April 16. This date marks the end of the harvest season when farmers and fishermen take a break from their activities. Many people return to their respective villages to celebrate with their families.
There are several advantages if you come to Cambodia during the new year. New Year's is held for three days, and each day there will be individual activities such as:
Maha Songkran, derived from the Sanskrit word Maha Sankranti, is the name of the first day of the New Year's celebration. These days are the end of the year and the beginning of the year. People wear gowns and light candles, and burn incense in the temples.
Virak Wanabat is the name of the second day of the new year celebration. People contribute to helping less fortunate people, such as low-income families, servants, the homeless, and low-income residents.
T'ngai Leang Saka is the name of the third day of the New Year's celebration. Buddhists clean Buddha statues and their elders by sprinkling water.
Also, during the Cambodian New Year, you can enjoy the celebration in various places and play traditional Cambodian games. You can participate in water games on the streets using water guns and other equipment. The bottom line, everyone present has to get wet!
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