Discovering Khmer New Year A Journey Through Time and Tradition

The transliteration for Khmer New Year is Chaul Chnam Thmey (literal translation: “enter year new”) but to wish someone a happy new year you say “sursedey chnam thmey” (literal translation: “happy year new”).

As with many other Eastern nations, Cambodia does not traditionally celebrate New Year on January 1st. While some celebrations do occur at this time, as well as at Chinese New Year in February, Cambodia considers 2013 AD to be 2557 BE (Buddhist Era) and the traditional day of the New Year usually falls on April 13th or 14th. The traditions and celebrations are similar to Thingyan (Burmese New Year), Thai New Year and Laos New Year – all of which follow similar yearly calendars and observe the Buddhist Era year count.

Many people attribute the history of Cambodian New Year – or Khmer New Year – to agricultural and seasonal rhythms of the year – it signals the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the rains. Another theory is that it is down to the adoption of the lunar calendar – or a close connection with the Hindu calendar. Traditionally the celebrations would last for one month – 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the specified day. Today, there are three public holidays given around this time, but many businesses and institutions close for longer as people like to return to their hometown to celebrate and spend time with their families. As a result it is helpful to plan carefully when traveling in the region at New Year as transport services can be exceptionally busy but city streets and services remarkably quiet.





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