This country is distinguished by the multinationality of its inhabitants, therefore, the peoples of Cambodia celebrate the holidays in their own way. The Chinese and Vietnamese, for example, traditionally live in accordance with the lunar calendar, and their New Year falls in late January - early February. But for the Khmers, the countdown of the year begins only in April.
Water festival "Bom-Om-Tuk"
This is the main holiday in the Khmer calendar. The festival takes place in November and lasts three days. These days, millions of guests from around the world are in a hurry to visit the capital of the state - Phnom Penh. It is here that the waters of the Tonlepas and Mekong rivers become the venue for the regatta. For the inhabitants of the country, this is not just a beautiful show, but a holiday that opens the fishing season.
Numerous boats, painted in the colors of 21 provinces of the country, set off on a short voyage.
The festival also has a second name - the Water Turning Festival. The celebration always coincides with the end of the rainy season. Also, guests of the event can observe an absolutely amazing event - the Tonle Sap River changes its direction these days.
The festival is accompanied by mass celebrations. Almost half of the entire population of Cambodia flocks to Phnom Penh these days.
Royal Plowing Day
Late April - early May is a “hot” season for Cambodians. It is at this time that the sowing season begins in the country. And it opens with the Royal Plowing Day.
The second name of this day is the Feast of the First Furrow. Traditionally, on this day, the first plowing in the country takes place in the rice field located near the royal palace. And if earlier it was the privilege of the ruling monarch, today it is done by the chosen King and Queen of the holiday.
The sacred cows are harnessed to the plow and make exactly three circles around the field. Then they are brought to the table, where there are 7 dishes. There are plates of grains, rice, beans, corn, wine and water. Depending on what the animals choose, conclusions are drawn about the success of the year. For example, the selected water and grain promise prosperity, but herbs promise frequent diseases of livestock.
Visaka - Bucea Festival
This is a big religious holiday, which the people of the country celebrate in the last days of April. The celebrations last a whole week, but the first day is considered the most significant. On this day, the Angkor temple becomes the venue for a grandiose performance - a procession of monks with candles.
Particularly much attention is paid to the star anise tree, because according to legend, it was under its crown that enlightenment descended on the Buddha. Buddhist temples of the country are necessarily decorated and festive sutras are read in them throughout the day.
In the evening, at nightfall, candles and lanterns are lit throughout the country.
