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A Glimpse into Three of Cambodia's Major Festivals
The colorful tapestry of festivals in Cambodia, a country rich in history and cultural legacy, reflects its agricultural methods, spiritual beliefs, and historical significance. These festivals represent Cambodia's resiliency, togetherness, and the blending of tradition and modernity; they are more than just occasions for celebration.

Khmer New Year: ចូលឆ្នាំខ្មែរ
The Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey, is the most important traditional festival and the greatest national holiday in Cambodia. It typically lasts three days, starting on April 13th or 14th, depending on the traditional "MohaSangkran" horoscope.

The festival's start marks the end of the traditional harvest season and is a time for farmers to rest and celebrate after working hard to plant and harvest rice. It is also considered a time of leisure, as April is the hottest and driest month of the year, making it difficult for people to work in the fields. The festival is a time for people to come together to celebrate their traditions and culture, express gratitude for the past, and look towards the future with optimism.

On the first day, Moha Songkranta, people prepare offerings for the new angel, God, and the monks at the pagoda. On the second day, Veareak Vanabat, people offer gifts to their parents and relatives and donate necessities to poor people. On the third day, Veareak Laeung Sak, people go to the pagoda to perform a ceremony called the mountain of sand to get blessed, and later in the evening, they perform Pithi Srang Preah, which involves giving a special bath or shower to Buddha statues, the monks, the elders, and parents. The purpose of these rituals is to bring blessings and forgiveness for the past year and hope for blessings for the new year. 

Pchum Ben: ភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ
Pchum Ben is a Cambodian festival that brings people together for a grand celebration that honors their ancestors going back seven generations. The name itself is a combination of two Khmer words that signify gathering together (Pchum) and a ball of food (Ben). This festive occasion lasts for 15 days and is considered one of the most important events in the Cambodian calendar. 

The event lasts for 15 days and is divided into two parts. The first part, "Bon Kan Ben," lasts for 14 days and is dedicated to Buddhist practice, merit-making, and serving the community. The second part, "Bon Pchum," is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the lunar month and is a family-oriented event where people return to their hometowns and offer food and sacrifices to their ancestors and the spiritual world. During Bon Kan Ben, Buddhists recite the precepts, offer drinks to monks, and worship the Buddha. They also engage in services and rituals, such as serving monks and cleaning pagodas or temples. In the evening, drinks are given to monks and elders who practice 8 or 10 rituals. After that, they invite monks to generate merit (Preah Parit), and perform offering-transference ceremonies. The monks chant the Preabutrara Sutra, a form of Buddhist chant, in Pali, which represents the melancholy sound. 

On the day of Bon Pchum, people dress up beautifully and visit their ancestral shrine or a local pagoda. They prepare a series of lunch boxes, which they fill with food, desserts, and traditional items, and offer them to the monks. They also offer food to the ancestors and spirits, using a traditional boat made of banana leaves. 

Water Festival: បុណ្យអុំទូក
The Cambodian Water Festival, or Bon Om Touk, takes place in November and is one of the country's greatest festivals of the year. It is a holiday that has been observed in Cambodia since the 13th century and signals the end of the rainy season. The full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk, when this yearly celebration takes place, is thought to bring good fortune and a bountiful crop.

Today, the Water Festival in Cambodia has evolved into a highly anticipated national celebration, drawing people from all corners of the country to Phnom Penh for a two-day extravaganza. The capital city transforms into a bustling center of activity, featuring thrilling boat races, captivating illuminated floats, and a mesmerizing moon salutation. Don't miss the chance to savor special rice dishes made with banana or coconut juice, offering a true taste of Khmer cuisine. The boat races take center stage during the festival, attracting Khmer families who gather along the riverbanks. They spread out picnic mats, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and passionately cheer for their favorite teams. Boat race participants arrive early to hone their skills on the Tonle Sap River, often receiving sponsorship from generous individuals and government officials. 

As the sun sets, the magic of the festival continues with the launch of small, handcrafted boats adorned with floating candles. Various government ministries contribute their own impressive illuminated boats to the spectacle. The night sky then comes alive with a breathtaking 20-minute fireworks display, leaving spectators in awe of the festivities.