Celebrating Khmer New Year in Cambodia

9 Apr

2014

Celebrating Khmer New Year in Cambodia

I’m teaching Art and English at two schools in Cambodia and we recently celebrated the Khmer New Year! Ponheary Ly (the organization I’m involved with) is a nonprofit that helps young students at Knar Primary School. Knar School is located in a rural village in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

My friends and I were fortunate enough to be invited to Knar School’s Khmer New Year party. I had not a clue as to what laid ahead but let’s just say it was a good thing I came prepared with my dance shoes on. 😉

Cambodia Khmer New Year Lucid Practice Danielle

Students dancing and throwing baby powder to celebrate Khmer New Year

At Khnar school in Siem Reap, we celebrated Khmer New Year with loud music, throwing & wiping baby powder on each other, musical chairs, “hit the pot” (similar to hitting a pinata, but with a ceramic pot in which baby powder spills out), and lots of dancing!

Click the “Play” icon in the middle of the image below to see a video of us playing “hit the pot” as we listen to fun Cambodian music.

Thanks to my fellow teacher and friend Hannah for sharing this video. 🙂 Check out her Tumblr blog documenting our Cambodian travels: hfnajar

Baby powder Khmer New Year Lucid PRactice Danielle Cambodia Siem Reap

Danners covered in baby powder after getting a two handed surprise attack from a student at Khmer New Year celebration 🙂

This year the Khmer New Year falls on April 13th and lasts for 3 days. Many students begin their break from school (which lasts 2 weeks) the week prior to the first day of Khmer New Year. Families prepare food, go to the temples, play traditional games, and enjoy time with loved ones. The festival designates the end of harvest season for wet season is next to come.

Khmer New Year Cambodia Lucid Practice Danielle in Siem Reap

Danners and her students Celebrating Khmer New Year

Danielle with her Cambodia student Siem Reap Cambodia Lucid Practice

Danielle with her Cambodian student Siem Reap, Cambodia 🙂

We got a sneak peak of the rainy season as our party was cut short by heavy rainfall. I was told that this year’s one hour of dancing was nothing compared to last year when the young students danced for six straight hours (these kids have tons of energy!) On our way back from the school, we got caught in the huge downpour. Our guesthouse is a 45 min tuk tuk ride from the school so we decided to take a break during the downpour to have some food.

Heavy Rain in Siem Reap as we celebrate Khmer New Year

While the heaviest rain ensued, we ate delicious noodle soup for lunch (USD $1.33 each!) at a nearby restaurant. Although we were only at the party for 3 hours, I was completely exhausted by the time we got back to the guesthouse and my legs barely made it up the stairs!

Danielle & classmates Siem Reap Cambodia Lucid Practice Khmer New Year

Danners (far left), Marissa (bottom left), Abby (top left), Esa our tuk tuk driver (middle) Hannah (far right) Maya (bottom right)

Overall, Khmer New Year is lots and lots of fun! Hope you enjoyed learning about celebrating Khmer New Year. In the comments section, leave any questions or thoughts on this experience or your own experience in Cambodia!

~Danners

8 thoughts on “Celebrating Khmer New Year in Cambodia”

Love this post D! Seems like such a fun environment. I enjoyed that video…. the Cambodian music is upbeat! I had never heard of Hit the Pot but it sure looks like fun 🙂 Thank you for sharing this…. You’re helping me learn more about Southeast Asian culture everyday!

April 9, 2014 at 16:53 Reply

I’m glad you enjoyed the post. The party has been one of my favorites so far being here in Cambodia. The music is definitely upbeat and fun to listen to! I will be posting music up for everyone to hear soon. . . So stay tuned 😉

April 9, 2014 at 21:38 Reply

Noodle soup for $1.33 sounds really good. I had vegetable soup, grilled trout, french fries, rice, and a small salad for $4 yesterday in Bolivia. #Geoarbitrage

April 10, 2014 at 14:34 Reply