May

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The Visakh Bochea Day – Mid May: called “Bon Visakh Bochea” in the Khmer language, marks the anniversary of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, or rather parinirvana. Held during the sixth full moon of the lunar calendar, it involves chanting, sermons and a candlelit procession to wats.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony – Mid May: This is an ancient royal rite held in Cambodia to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The ritual is performed at the start of the rainy season in late May each year, with representatives of the king taking the role of King Meakh, who leads the yoke and plough, and Queen Mehour, who sows the seeds. After circling the field three times, the procession stops at a shrine where Brahmins invoke the protection of the gods. Sacred cows are then brought to eat from seven silver trays containing such things as rice, corn, beans, sesame seeds, grass, water and wine, and predictions are made for the coming year based upon what they select. The harvest will be good if they choose the cereals, rain will be abundant if they drink water, but trouble is feared if they eat herbs or drink alcohol.


Other Events

January

Angkor Handicraft Fair – Early January: The program to emphasize Handicraft Made in Cambodia: fashion show, workshop and...

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February

Valentine’s Day – 14 February: The ancient Khmer capital with its spectacular temples combined with a selection of roman...

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March

Women’s Day – March 8: This United Nations-inspired holiday, International day for women has become a big deal.

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April

Khmer New Year – Mid April: The Khmer New Year, or 'Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei' in the Khmer language, is...

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June

International Children Day – June 1The United Nations established an event celebrated globally to commemorate the future...

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July

Cambodian government permits celebration of Ramadan to engage Muslim communities in Cambodia and promote religious diver...

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August

Angkor Empire Full and Half Marathon – Second or Third week of August: This internationally recognized half marathon rai...

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September

Phcum Ben – Day of Feeding Spirits – Mid or End of September: Widely celebrated across the country, usually from...

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October

Kathina Days - Early or Mid October: A religious festival marking the end of Buddhist Lent with people all over...

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November

Independence Day – November 9: Cambodia's Independence Day is on 9 November and this national holiday was established to...

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December

Christmas and New Year’s Eve – December 25 and December 31-January 1: Christmas is increasingly widely celebrated in the...

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