---
Choul Chnam Thmey (Moha Sangkran)Where? Cambodia (Moha Sangkran)
When? Usually around April 13–15, aligned with the traditional Khmer calendar.
Meaning: "Choul Chnam Thmey" means "Enter the New Year" in Khmer.
Customs:
Temple Visits: People visit temples to pray and make offerings to monks.
Cleaning and Decorating: Houses are cleaned, and families prepare for a fresh start.
Traditional Games: Participating in cultural games and dances in villages or temples.
Ceremonial Practices: Pouring water or sand ceremonies as acts of purification and blessing.
Tone: More solemn and spiritual, though there are communal celebrations and activities.
---
Key Differences
1. Cultural Identity:
Songkran is distinctively Thai, with a focus on playful water fights and large-scale festivities.
Choul Chnam Thmey is more Cambodian in identity, emphasizing traditional and religious customs.
2. Tone of Celebration:
Songkran is livelier and more tourist-centric due to its water festival.
Choul Chnam Thmey leans toward traditional and spiritual practices.
3. Activities:
In Moha Songkran, water fights dominate the celebration.
In Choul Chnam Thmey, traditional games and religious rituals are more central.
Both holidays reflect the importance of renewal, purification, and family, but their expressions are shaped by their respective national cultures..
Happy Moha Sangkran day khmer New Year
Happy Khmer New Year
“Moha Songkran” - is the first day of Khmer New Year and it is known as the day of creation as well.
As if in a competition, each home does its best to welcome the new god or angel by providing a table full of diverse fruits, a cake with candles, incense sticks with flowers, and flashing light chains to ensure that all family members are protected throughout the year.
At shrines, people dress in white and light candles and burn incense sticks to thank the Buddha for his teachings by bowing, kneeling, and prostrating themselves three times in front of his image.
People wash their faces with holy water in the morning, their chests at noon, and their feet before going to bed for good luck.
As if in a competition, each home does its best to welcome the new god or angel by providing a table full of diverse fruits, a cake with candles, incense sticks with flowers, and flashing light chains to ensure that all family members are protected throughout the year.
At shrines, people dress in white and light candles and burn incense sticks to thank the Buddha for his teachings by bowing, kneeling, and prostrating themselves three times in front of his image.
People wash their faces with holy water in the morning, their chests at noon, and their feet before going to bed for good luck.
We
extend our heartfelt wishes to our Cambodian friends as they celebrate
the joyous festival of the Khmer New Year, starting from today for the
next 3 days.
May this special time be filled with blessings, prosperity, and unity for all. Let the vibrant traditions and cultural heritage of Cambodia shine brightly as we celebrate together as one ASEAN family.
Wishing all Cambodians a joyful and prosperous Khmer New Year!
May this special time be filled with blessings, prosperity, and unity for all. Let the vibrant traditions and cultural heritage of Cambodia shine brightly as we celebrate together as one ASEAN family.
Wishing all Cambodians a joyful and prosperous Khmer New Year!
Happy Khmer New Year Festival ( Moha Sangkranta )
The official name of Cambodian New Year/ Khmer New Year is: (New Year Festival, the National Tradition) also called Choul Chnam Thmey or Moha Sangkranta or just Sangkranta.
The three official days of New Year celebrations revolve around religious traditions and cultural norms, which remain significant for many adherents.
1. The first day Maha Sangkranta
2. The Second day Virak Wanabat (There are two days for this year)
3. The Third day Leung Sakk
Enjoy your holiday
The official name of Cambodian New Year/ Khmer New Year is: (New Year Festival, the National Tradition) also called Choul Chnam Thmey or Moha Sangkranta or just Sangkranta.
The three official days of New Year celebrations revolve around religious traditions and cultural norms, which remain significant for many adherents.
1. The first day Maha Sangkranta
2. The Second day Virak Wanabat (There are two days for this year)
3. The Third day Leung Sakk
Enjoy your holiday
Songkran
Where? Thailand
When? April 13–15 (officially, though celebrations may last longer).
Meaning: "Songkran" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "astrological passage" or "movement," marking the Thai New Year.
Customs:
Water Festival: The most iconic part, where people throw water at each other as a way to cleanse and bless for the New Year.
Merit-Making: Visiting temples, offering food to monks, and bathing Buddha statues in water.
Family Reunions: Paying respect to elders by pouring water on their hands (called Rod Nam Dam Hua).
Tone: Highly festive and playful, with water fights being the central attraction.
