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When Is Khmer New Year 2021? Date, Traditions, and Celebrations Explained

When Is Khmer New Year 2021? Date, Traditions, and Celebrations Explained

Are you excited to know when Khmer New Year 2021 falls? The Khmer New Year, also known as Chol Chnam Thmay in the Khmer language, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Cambodia. It is a time when people come together to rejoice and welcome the coming year.

The Khmer New Year is based on the lunar calendar and is celebrated for three days - usually falling from April 13th to 15th. This year, Khmer New Year will begin on April 14th, 2021.

People look forward to Khmer New Year for many reasons - to celebrate, to relax or to spend time with their families. There are various customs and traditions attributed to the Khmer New Year celebrations that take place over the three days. The first day is called 'Maha Songkran,' which marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.

One of the most exciting parts of Khmer New Year is the traditional dances, such as the 'Robam Trot' (dance of the bamboo sticks), 'Robam Kbach' (dances that depict everyday life activities), and 'Robam Choun Por' (jewelry dance).

Another attractive aspect of Khmer New Year is the abundance of mouth-watering food that is shared amongst the family members and community. A popular sweet treat made during this time is 'Num Ansom Chek,' which is sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and poured over banana leaf.

Moreover, the celebrations also include splashing water on one another, which is believed to remove bad luck and bring good fortune for the coming year. This practice has become more prominent and popular over the years with people flocking to the capital city Phnom Penh to join in the festivities.

However, in light of the ongoing pandemic, the Khmer New Year celebrations will be modified. The government has urged the public to follow the health and safety guidelines and avoid traveling to different provinces to celebrate.

In conclusion, Khmer New Year is a time of celebration, tradition, and family for Cambodians worldwide. This year, though the situation may be different due to the pandemic, the essence of the holiday remains unchanged. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the Khmer New Year festivities and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Now that you know when Khmer New Year 2021 falls, are you excited to participate in the celebrations? Let us know in the comments below!


When Is Khmer New Year 2021
"When Is Khmer New Year 2021" ~ bbaz

Introduction

Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey or simply Khmer New Year, is an important holiday celebrated in Cambodia. It is a time when families and friends come together to celebrate the start of a new year and to reflect on the past year. In this article, we will discuss When Khmer New Year 2021 is and what to expect during this festive occasion.

When Is Khmer New Year 2021?

Khmer New Year is traditionally celebrated on April 13th-15th each year. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Cambodian government has postponed the holiday until further notice. The decision was made to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.

Cultural Significance of Khmer New Year

Khmer New Year is an important holiday across Cambodia as it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Buddhist Lunar calendar. During this time, Cambodians pay respects to their ancestors, visit temples, and participate in traditional dances and games.

The Three Days of Celebrations

Khmer New Year celebrations typically last for three days. Each day has its own traditions and customs, but they are all focused on bringing people together and providing an opportunity for reflection and renewal.

Day 1: Maha Sangkran

Maha Sangkran, the first day of Khmer New Year, is dedicated to honoring the dead and asking for blessings from the gods. Traditionally, Cambodians take part in water ceremonies and clean their homes to symbolize the washing away of old habits and the beginning of a fresh start.

Day 2: Wanabat

Wanabat is the second day of Khmer New Year and is all about giving back to the community. Cambodians visit local temples to offer food and other donations to monks, while also seeking blessings for themselves and their families.

Day 3: Tngai Leang Saka

Tngai Leang Saka, the final day of Khmer New Year, is focused on family gatherings and festive activities. Cambodians come together to play games, eat traditional foods, and celebrate the beginning of a new year with loved ones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Khmer New Year is an important holiday in Cambodia that is steeped in tradition and cultural significance. While the exact date of Khmer New Year 2021 has yet to be announced, it is still a time of reflection, community, and renewal. Those planning to visit Cambodia during this time should take the opportunity to experience the unique customs and traditions that make Khmer New Year such a special occasion.

When Is Khmer New Year 2021? A Comparison

Introduction

Khmer New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Cambodia. It is a time for families to come together, pay respect to ancestors, and usher in good luck for the coming year. However, the date of Khmer New Year can vary from year to year, depending on a few factors. In this comparison article, we'll take a closer look at when Khmer New Year falls in 2021.

The Khmer Calendar

The Khmer calendar is a lunisolar calendar that is based on the movements of the moon and the sun. It divides the year into 12 months, with each month corresponding to a different Hindu zodiac sign. The Khmer New Year begins on the first day of the month of Chetra.

The Solar vs. Lunar Cycle

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based solely on the solar cycle, the Khmer calendar takes into account both the solar and lunar cycles. This means that the Khmer New Year can fall on different dates each year.

Choul Chnam Thmey

Khmer New Year is also known as Choul Chnam Thmey, which translates to entering the new year. The celebration usually lasts for three days, with people engaging in activities such as visiting temples, playing games, and eating special foods.

The Importance of Water

Water is an important element during Khmer New Year. It is believed to wash away bad luck and negativity from the previous year, and to bring good luck for the coming year. People often drench each other with water during the celebrations.

When Is Khmer New Year in 2021?

In 2021, Khmer New Year falls on April 14th, and lasts for three days. This date is based on the Khmer calendar, which takes into account both the solar and lunar cycles.

A Comparison to Other New Year Celebrations

Khmer New Year is not the only new year celebration in the world. For example, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year, usually somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. Similarly, the Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic calendar, which is based solely on the lunar cycle.

COVID-19 Impacts on Khmer New Year 2021

Just like many other holidays and celebrations, Khmer New Year in 2021 will be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Cambodian government is still allowing some limited celebrations, it has also placed restrictions on gatherings and travel to prevent the spread of the virus.

Virtual Celebrations

To adapt to the current situation, many people are finding ways to celebrate Khmer New Year virtually. This might include video calls with family and friends, or sharing photos and videos on social media.

Conclusion

Regardless of how it is celebrated, Khmer New Year is an important time for Cambodians to come together, honor their traditions, and look forward to a bright future. By understanding the factors that determine when it falls each year, we can gain a greater appreciation for this cultural celebration.

When is Khmer New Year 2021?

Introduction

Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey, is one of the most important holidays for Cambodians. It is celebrated annually in April, and this year, Khmer New Year falls on Thursday, April 15th.

What is Khmer New Year?

Khmer New Year is a time for family reunions, religious ceremonies, and traditions. People clean their house, prepare special food, buy new clothes, offer gifts to monks and elders, and visit temples to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness.

The Origin of Khmer New Year

The origin of Khmer New Year can be traced back to ancient Hindu influences from India. According to the Hindu calendar, Khmer New Year is based on the solar new year, accounting for the sun’s movements between December 21st and 23rd. It is also regarded as the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one.

How is Khmer New Year Celebrated?

Khmer New Year is a three-day celebration that includes several rituals and traditional customs:- Day One: Maha Sangkat Chhouk (មហាសង្គត់ជូក)On the first day of Khmer New Year, people clean their homes and decorate their houses with flowers and lanterns. Families gather together to enjoy a feast and offer food to the monks at the temple.- Day Two: Vanabot (វណ្ណបុត្រ)The second day of the Khmer New Year is dedicated to giving alms to the poor and offering food to the deceased ancestors. People prepare a table with food and candles to remember and honor their deceased loved ones.- Day Three: Virak Vanabot (វិរាកវាត្តិរស្តុ)On the third day, people visit the temple again to offer food to the monks and pour water on Buddha statues to cleanse and purify their souls. It is also a time for family and friends to exchange gifts and play traditional games.

COVID-19 Restrictions

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Khmer New Year celebrations will be subdued this year. While restrictions may vary from province to province, people are advised to wear masks, avoid large gatherings, and adhere to social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Khmer New Year is a special time of year for Cambodians to come together, celebrate, and honor their cultural heritage. Whether you are in Cambodia or abroad, you can join in the festivities by learning more about the customs and traditions associated with Khmer New Year. Happy Khmer New Year!

When Is Khmer New Year 2021?

Welcome to this article about the Khmer New Year, a traditional festival celebrated annually in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and other countries in Southeast Asia. This festivity is known as Chol Chnam Thmay or Bon Chol Chhnam, which means entering a new year in Khmer.

In general, Khmer New Year takes place for three days, usually from April 13th to 15th. However, in 2021, it starts on April 14th and ends on April 16th, according to the lunar calendar used by the Buddhist communities in Cambodia.

The Khmer New Year's date is based on the movement of the Sun and the Moon, which has a significant impact on the farming cycle and the agricultural traditions in the region. As a result, the celebration occurs during the hottest period of the year, when farmers take a break from the fields to prepare for the new harvest season and enjoy some leisure time with their families and friends.

During Khmer New Year, Cambodians perform various customs and rituals to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to their homes and communities. For example, people typically clean their houses and decorate them with flowers, flags, and lanterns. Moreover, they offer food, drinks, incense, and candles to the Buddha statues and ancestors' altars while praying for blessings and guidance.

Another essential aspect of Khmer New Year is the water festival, also known as Moha Sangkran. This tradition involves splashing water on each other as a symbol of cleansing, purification, and rejuvenation. People believe that pouring and throwing water can wash away the bad luck, sins, and diseases of the past year and pave the way for a fresh start. Furthermore, they see the water as a way to pay respect to the elderly, monks, and nuns, who receive gentle sprinkles of scented water on their hands and heads.

Besides water pouring, Khmer New Year also features music, dance, games, and food. For instance, Cambodians wear traditional costumes, such as sampot (a rectangular cloth wrapped around the waist) and krama (a scarf worn on the neck), and perform folk dances like Ram Vong, Ram Kbach, or Saravan. They also play games like Angkunh, Chol Chhoung, or Leak Kanseng, which involve throwing a scarf, a ball, or a stone in different directions while singing or chanting. As for food, Khmer New Year sees an abundance of special dishes, such as kralan (sticky rice cake cooked in bamboo tubes), nom banh chok (rice noodle soup), luk lak (stir-fried beef with vegetables), and traditional desserts made of coconut milk, banana, and pumpkin.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on travel and gatherings, Khmer New Year remains an essential cultural event in Cambodia and other countries with Khmer populations. The government and local organizations have been promoting virtual celebrations and online activities to keep the festive spirit alive while ensuring safety measures are in place.

In conclusion, Khmer New Year is a colorful and joyous occasion that reflects the cultural richness and diversity of Southeast Asia. Whether you are a Khmer or a curious traveler, this festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a fascinating tradition that connects the past, present, and future. So mark your calendar for April 14th to 16th, 2021, and join millions of people around the world in welcoming the Khmer New Year with open hearts and minds.

Thank you for reading this article about When Is Khmer New Year 2021. We hope it has provided you with valuable information and insights into this vibrant festival. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments section below. Happy Khmer New Year!

When Is Khmer New Year 2021?

People Also Ask:

1. What is Khmer New Year?

Khmer New Year, also known as Cambodian New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated by Cambodians all over the world. It marks the end of the harvesting season and the beginning of a new year in the Khmer calendar.

2. When is Khmer New Year celebrated?

Khmer New Year is usually celebrated in mid-April, which is the peak of the dry season in Cambodia. The exact date varies from year to year according to the lunar calendar.

3. How long does Khmer New Year last?

Khmer New Year typically lasts for three days in Cambodia. However, celebrations may go on for a week or more among Cambodian communities around the world.

4. What are some of the traditional activities during Khmer New Year?

During Khmer New Year, Cambodians participate in various traditional activities such as visiting temples, paying respect to elder relatives, playing traditional games like chaol chhoung and leak konseng, and preparing and sharing food with family and friends.

5. Will Khmer New Year be celebrated differently in 2021 due to COVID-19?

It is possible that Khmer New Year celebrations will be affected by COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, depending on the situation in Cambodia and other countries with Cambodian communities.

Answer:

Khmer New Year 2021 will be celebrated from April 14th to 16th in Cambodia and among Cambodian communities around the world, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.