Khmer New Year, known as Chaul Chnam Thmey, is one of the most important celebrations in Cambodia. Marking the end of the harvest season, this three-day festival is a time for family reunions, religious ceremonies, and joyous festivities. For Cambodians living abroad, it's also a time to reconnect with loved ones and show support from afar. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, sending money to Cambodia can help your family enjoy this special time.
Let’s explore the rich traditions of this event and how you can make this celebration even more special for your loved ones in Cambodia with our exclusive 50% fee off promotion when you send money to Cambodia this holiday season.
Chaul Chnam Thmey usually begins on April 13th or 14th, depending on the Moha Sangkran, an ancient horoscope that determines the exact date. Traditionally, the event was observed on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar, which usually falls in November or early December. However, it was later adjusted to align with the end of the harvest season in April, making it a time of rest and celebration for farmers. This year, the Khmer New Year will be celebrated from Monday, 07 April 2025, to Sunday, 13 April 2025. The festival typically lasts for three days.
The first day of Khmer New Year, Moha Songkran, is when a new deity or angel is assigned to protect the world for the coming year. To welcome this celestial guardian, Cambodian families clean and decorate their homes, believing that a fresh start will bring good fortune. Traditional offering stations are set up with beautifully arranged fruits, desserts, incense sticks, candles, and jasmine flowers.
The second day, Virak Vanabat, is dedicated to generosity and compassion. Cambodians honour their elders by offering gifts to parents and grandparents as a token of gratitude. Many families also visit temples for charitable donations and making merits, such as giving food and money to the less fortunate.
In addition to spiritual practices, the second day is filled with traditional New Year games, creating an atmosphere of fun and social bonding. This is also the one time of the year when young Cambodians can meet and interact more closely, making it a time when many find love and future spouses.
The third day, Vearak Loeng Sak, signifies new beginnings. Cambodians return to temples for ceremonial blessings and to light incense for prosperity and happiness. A major highlight is the ritual of washing Buddha statues and elders with fragrant water, symbolising purification and the removal of past misfortunes.
Finally, water fights and baby powder games take over the streets. This lively tradition represents washing away sins and welcoming the new year with joy and renewal.
The new year is a vibrant and joyful occasion that brings families and communities together through various cultural traditions. Traditional games such as Chol Chhoung (a throwing game), Bos Angkunh (a seed-throwing game), and Tug of War bring both children and adults together in a lively atmosphere. The festivities also feature traditional Apsara dance performances, folk music, and gatherings where people enjoy playing Khmer musical instruments like the Tro and Skor Thom.
Families often reunite during this time to share traditional Khmer dishes like Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles), Kralan (sticky rice in bamboo), and Bay Sey (mung bean-filled sticky rice balls). Many Cambodians also take this time to send money to Cambodia to provide support to their loved ones, ensuring they have everything needed for a joyous celebration. And we are here to make this process as quick and easy as possible.
For Cambodians living overseas, sending money home is a meaningful way to support their families during Khmer New Year. Whether it’s helping with festive preparations, temple offerings, or simply ensuring loved ones have a happy and stress-free celebration, financial support plays a crucial role in making the holiday special.
This year, enjoy 50% off money transfer fees* when you send money to Cambodia via Hai Ha Money Transfer and Foreign Exchange. With our fast, secure, and affordable money transfer service, you can stay connected with your family and help them celebrate in the best way possible.
As we welcome the New Year, let’s embrace Khmer traditions, cherish family bonds, and spread joy across distances. Make the Khmer New Year extra special! Send money to Cambodia today and take advantage of our limited-time 50% off promotion.
*The promotion applies to both online and in-store services at Hai Ha Money Transfer and Foreign Exchange between 07/04/2025 and 13/04/2025 AEST, excluding Western Union services.
