AKP Phnom Penh, April 10, 2025 -- Cambodians across the country will celebrate their traditional New Year next week, from April 14 to 16, one of the most important festivals in the Kingdom.

At 10:48 a.m. on April 14, the Year of the Horse will begin. The New Year’s angel is Reakyaksa Devi, the third daughter of Kabel Moha Prum.

The Cambodian traditional New Year, known as “Chaul Chnam Thmei,” usually falls in mid-April, during Chet—the fifth month of the Cambodian lunar calendar—when farmers have completed the dry-season rice harvest and have time to rest.

During the holiday, many people return to their hometowns, visit pagodas, travel to tourist destinations, and take part in various festive activities.

To ease travel costs, the Royal Government provides free bus services each year. This year, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has arranged 600 buses to operate within Phnom Penh (100 buses) and between the capital and the provinces (500 buses) from April 12 to 17.

Phnom Penh and other provinces are preparing to welcome the Khmer New Year with a joyful atmosphere reflecting the spirit of the extended Khmer family.

Streets, parks, and riverbanks have been decorated with vibrant displays. Colourful lights, national and religious flags, new year banners, flowers, and symbolic ornaments add to the festive ambiance.

In Phnom Penh, the first-ever “Nokor Sankranta” event will be held from April 14 to 19 to celebrate the occasion. The event aims to preserve and promote national culture and traditions, stimulate economic activity, attract tourists, and support the “Homecoming” campaign.

It will also highlight unity, solidarity, and resilience, while honouring displaced people and frontline forces. Religious ceremonies will be organised to dedicate merit to fallen heroes and victims, and to pray for peace and well-being for the nation.

Khmer New Year remains a deeply rooted tradition that fosters love, unity, and community spirit. Families gather, and pagodas serve as important centres for social and cultural connection, reflecting the enduring significance of this national celebration from ancient times to the present.

By C. Nika