In Siem Reap as in other parts of Cambodia the New Year is a fervently anticipated and festive event. Joyous partying has become the norm for the lively younger crowd, but there are many who still commemorate the traditions of the New Year celebration as Cambodians have done for centuries.
Customarily the event consists of three days of celebration, commencing on New Years Day which falls in the middle of April marking the end of the season of harvest. Farmers take pleasure in the bounties of their harvest and forget their worries at this time. The Cambodian New Year occurs at the same time as the customary solar New Year in parts of Myanmar, India and Thailand.
The festivities commence on the first day of the New Year, Maha Songkran. This day marks the conclusion of the previous year and the commencement of the new. People attire themselves in their finest clothes, light candles and incense at temples; each member of the family offers thanks to the Buddha for his teachings and pay homage by kneeling and worshipping the Buddha three times in succession. It is considered auspicious to use holy water to wash ones face in the morning, chest at midday, and feet before going to sleep.
On the celebrations second day, known as Virak Wanabat, Cambodians engage in charitable activities assisting servants, the poor, low-income families and the homeless. Families visit the monastery to attend a dedication rite devoted to each familys ancestors.
Tngay Leang Saka, the final day of celebration is observed with devout Buddhists cleansing statues of the Buddha as well as their elders with perfumed water. Bathing images of the Buddha signifies that water will be needed in the coming year for all forms of life. It is also thought to be an auspicious act that will usher in happiness, prosperity, good luck and longevity. By bathing their elders, young people obtain good wishes and useful advice that will stand them in good stead.
Special dishes are also prepared at New Year time. One of these is kralan, a treat composed of steamed rice, grated coconut, coconut milk and peas or beans. These blended ingredients are stuffed into a stick of bamboo and baked.
Siem Reap is noted for its New Years Eve parties where people from all walks of life get together to usher in the New Year with revelry and carefree celebration. The New Years Eve street party attracts both locals and foreigners with many restaurants and cafes offering New Year specials.
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