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Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal
Cambodia, April / May
The Royal Ploughing ceremony, or the opening of the
Sacred Furrow, is the first of the traditional agrarian
festivals. The ritual is performed by King Meakh, who
leads the yoke and plough, followed by a woman, Queen
Me Hour, who sows seeds. After thrice circling the rice
field, the procession stops at a chapel where Brahmins
invoke the protection of the Gods. The sacred cows are
unharnessed and guided to seven silver trays containing
rice, corn, bean, and other edibles. Based on their
choice, predictions are made for the coming year. If
they choose the cereals, harvest will be good. If they
eat herbs, cattle diseases are to be feared. If they
drink water, rain will be abundant and peace will reign;
but if they drink alcohol, trouble will break out in
the Kingdom.
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Bonn Chaul Chnam
Cambodia, 13 April
The New Year's Festival spans three days following the
end of the harvest season. Khmers clean and decorate
their houses with an altar for offerings to the Tevoda
of the coming year. They also visit the temple with
offerings. Then they play traditional games such as
Angkunh, Chaol Chhoung, Leak Kansaeng, and tug of war.
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Bonn Dak Ben and Bonn Phchum Ben
Cambodia, September
Spirits Commemoration Festival is held for the spirits
of the dead. Bonn Dak Ben is the offering of food to
the monks at least for 15 days.On the 15th day of the
ceremony which is the full moon, called Bonn Phchum
Ben, the collection of the bens (offerings) is taken.
During this celebration, if departed souls do not find
their family making offerings at a wat, it is believed
that the soul is cursed and will bother the descendent
throughout the year.
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Bonn Kathen
Cambodia, October
This religious festival lasts for 29 days. The monks
come out of their retreat. Town and country folks march
in a procession to the wat, where the monks are waiting
to change their old saffron robes for the new ones offered
during the festival. The ceremony brings spiritual merit
to both lay people and the monks.
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Bonn Om Tuk
Cambodia, November
The three day Water Festival celebrates the river's
changing flow by watching a festive cavalcade of competitive
boat races. The finish line symbolizes a gate that retains
the water. Once the line is cut, water flows down the
Mekong, commencing the fishing season. Other traditional
ceremonies are the midnight meals of pounded rice and
full moon celebration, with lighted flotillas and fireworks
in the evening.
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Independence Day
Cambodia, Nov 09, 2000
The 9th of November 1953 is the date Cambodia achieved
independence from France. The occasion is marked each
year by a gala parade in front of the Royal Palace,
which includes floats, marching bands and other spectacles
highlighting the nation's achievements.
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