AKP Phnom Penh, April 14, 2026 --

The three-day Khmer Traditional New Year, one of the biggest and merriest festivals in Cambodia, started this morning.

The new year, the Year of Horse, started at 10:48 am on April 14. The New Year’s angel is Reakyaksa Devi, the third daughter of Kabel Moha Prum.

During the three-day celebrations, Cambodians generally return to their hometowns, visit pagodas, travel to tourist destinations, and take part in a wide array of cultural and recreational activities.

At tourism destinations, there will be folk games – Leak Kanseng, Chol Chhoung, Bos Angkunh, Tean Proat, Veay Ka-om … – exhibitions, concerts and so on.

In Phnom Penh, the first-ever “Nokor Sankranta” event was organised to celebrate the occasion. The six-day (April 14 to 19) 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