Bonn Chaul Chhnam (13-15 April)
The new Year’s Festival spans three days following the end of the harvest season. Khmer clean and decorate their houses with altars for offerings. Then they play traditional games.
Bonn chroat Preah Nongkoal (6 May)
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is the inauguration of the Planning Season. The Ploughing Ceremony is performed by a man. King of Meakh. Who leads the Yoke and plough. followed by a woman. Queen Me Hour. Who sows need. After thrice circling the rice field. The procession stop 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 and other foods Based on their choice, the year’s predictions are made.
Bonn Dak Ben and Pchoum ben(11-13 october)
The spirits Commemoration Festival is held for the spirits for the dead. Bonn Dak Ben- the offering of food to the monks-last for 15 days. The15th day- the full moon- is called Bonn Pchoum Ben. The Collection of the bens(offerings). 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.
Bonn Kathen(October)
The 29day religion festival is marked by town and country folks. Marching in procession to the Wat Where the monks are waiting to change their old saffron robes for new ones offered during the Festival. The ceremony brings spiritual merit to both lay people and the monks.
HM THE KING’S BIRTHDAY
His Majesty Preah bat Samdech Preach Norodom Sihanouk, king of Cambodia. Was born on 31 October 1922 in Phnom Penh. Every Year his Birthday is celebrated in regal fashion and the entire nation joins in to honor their King. Festivities take place throughout the capital and a grand fire works display is organized at sundown on the river near the palace.
BONN OM TOUK (24-26 November)
The Water FESTIVAL, Which ushers in the fishing season and marks the reversing of the currents in the Tonle Sap River, is a spectacle to be hold. The festival draws tens of thousands of people to the river banks to watching boat races, fireworks and a lighted flotilla of boat under the full moon.
Events
January-Phnom Penh
Marathon
The annual international 42-km race is on an officially plotted and recognized the course.
February -Paris
HANDICRAFTS EXHIBIT
Cambodia joins an exhibition of Indochina handicrafts Galleries Lafayette, Paris
March-Phnom Penh
Khmer Food Fest
Cambodian delicacies are featured at Chatomuk hall.
November-Siemreap
Half Marathon
The third annual mini marathon welcomes people of all ages and includes special events.
Noveber-Siemreap
INTERNATIONAL RAMAYANA
Five Asia countries perform their traditional version of the classic epic.
November-Siemreap
INTERANATIONAL BOAT RACE
For the first time, professional international teams will join local rowers in the competition.
1997-1998-Interanitonal
ART EXHIBITION
“Angkor and ten centuries of Khmer art” exhibition of Khmer art and sculpture will tour the world. tentative schedule to be confirmed:
31 jan-24 May: Grand Paris, Paris
30 jun-28 sep: National Gallery, Washington DC
1 Nov-23 Dec: Tokyo Metropolitan art s museum, Tokyo
15 jan-15 Mar 1998:Osaka
December-Phnom Penh
Kite Festival
Traditional Kites will be flown on the riverfront.
