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Preparing for the New Year

According to our traditions, families clean and decorate their homes before the New Year begins. We believe this washes away the troubles of the past year and welcomes new blessings. My brother and I helped clean the house and hung Kom Pkay (star lanterns) in front of our home to welcome good luck to us.

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Kom Pkay

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I also went to the market with my mother to buy flowers and fresh fruits, such as oranges, mangoes, apples, and longans, and prepared an offering table to welcome the New Year Angel (Tevoda). 

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A traditional New Year offering table to welcome Tevoda

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What I did in Three Days of Khmer New Year

• Day 1: Maha Sangkranta (April 14th) – This is the day for welcoming New Year Angel, who arrived at 10:58 AM this year. My family lit incense and prayed together at this moment. I also gave a small money to my parents to show my gratitude as a special occasion during New Year celebration.
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  Day 2: Virak Wanabat (April 15th) - This day is about kindness and family bonds. We had a small dinner with our relatives. It was a wonderful time to laugh with family members who traveled from different places.
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  Day 3: Virak Loeng Sak (April 16th) - My family engaged in traditional and religious events. My mother and I woke up early to prepare food for the monks at pagoda. In the evening, my brother and I performed the Srong Preah ceremony for our parents at home. This is a traditional bathing ritual demonstrating the way our parents used to take care of us when we were children. This practice is not just a tradition, but it is a time to show our gratitude to our parents, ask for forgiveness for our past mistakes, and receive their blessings as a light to guide us for the New Year.
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  Before returning to Phnom Penh, my parents took me to visit Preah Dak village, a popular destination for New Year travelers, filled with smiles and the smell of local food. I bought NumAkor Tnot (palm cake). Even though this sweet cake can be found all year round, tasting it during the holiday in my hometown brought back precious memories. It reminded me of my childhood when Khmer New Year was coming, and my mother always picked palm fruits from the trees behind our house to make this cake for me.

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palm cake

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A Connection of Sentiments

In my mind, Khmer New Year is more than just a holiday. It is a precious time to reconnect with my family, show love to my parents, and honor our ancestors. Even as our lives become more modern, it is vital for all Cambodians to preserve our culture and uphold our traditions strong for the next generation.