Khmer new year or in Khmer 'Chol Chnam Thmey' means 'entering new year'. And 'Suo Sdey Chnam Thmey' for 'Happy New Year'. During Angkor era, Khmer celebrated. The Cambodian New Year, or the ‘Khmer’ New Year, is an occasion that has its roots in the history and culture of Cambodia. The locales believe that on this auspicious day, a new angel descends to take care of the world.
The legend has that Dhammabal Koma, the son of a rich man, had successfully completed his study of the three Vedas. He was famous for his knowledge and his ability to communicate with birds. One day, the king of gods, who had learned of Koma’s intelligence, challenged his intellect by posing a riddle. The king, confident that Koma wouldn’t be able to solve the riddle, declared that the loser will be beheaded. For days, Koma struggled but was unable to solve the riddle, until one day he decided to commit suicide in the forest. While in the bush, he fell asleep and heard a conversation between two vultures. In that conversation, he learned the answer to the riddle. The king was beheaded, and, per his request, his daughters carried his head on a platter, in a ceremonial circle around Mount Sumeru. It is believed that on this day, a new angel comes down to earth for the ceremony, and brings with it happiness and good weather.
To honor the presence of the divine, Cambodians clean their homes and keep them alight with candles. They render their worship to Buddha by offering food to welcome the spirits. Each of the three days of celebration has a specific event assigned to it and the idea is for the Cambodians to make many unforgettable memories on their Khmer day.
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