Khmer Calendar 2023: A Guide To The Festivals And Events
Introduction
As a Cambodian, I have always been fascinated with our traditional Khmer calendar. It is a lunar-solar calendar that follows the movement of the moon and the sun, which is different from the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world. In this article, I will share my personal experience with the Khmer calendar and give you a guide to the festivals and events that will happen in 2023.
What is the Khmer Calendar?
The Khmer calendar is an ancient system of timekeeping that has been used in Cambodia for centuries. It is based on the movement of the moon and the sun, and it consists of 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days. The Khmer New Year, also known as Chol Chnam Thmay, is celebrated in mid-April and marks the beginning of the new year on the Khmer calendar.
How is the Khmer Calendar Different from the Gregorian Calendar?
The Khmer calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar in several ways. First, it is a lunar-solar calendar, which means it follows the movement of both the moon and the sun. Second, it has 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days, which is different from the 12 months with varying days in the Gregorian calendar. Third, the Khmer New Year is celebrated in mid-April, which is different from the January 1st celebration in the Gregorian calendar.
Events and Festivals in Khmer Calendar 2023
Here are some of the events and festivals that will happen in 2023 according to the Khmer calendar:
Pchum Ben Day
Pchum Ben Day is a 15-day festival that happens in September or October, depending on the lunar cycle. It is a time when Cambodians pay respect to their ancestors by offering food and prayers at pagodas and temples. This day is also known as Ancestors’ Day.
Water Festival
The Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk, is one of the biggest festivals in Cambodia. It happens in November and marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the fishing season. The festival is celebrated with boat races, fireworks, and other cultural activities.
Khmer New Year
Khmer New Year, also known as Chol Chnam Thmay, is celebrated in mid-April and marks the beginning of the new year on the Khmer calendar. It is a time when families gather to offer blessings to their elders and make offerings to the monks at pagodas and temples.
World Events and Festivals in Khmer Calendar 2023
Apart from the traditional Khmer festivals, there are also world events and festivals that will happen in 2023. Here are some of them:
2023 Southeast Asian Games
The 2023 Southeast Asian Games will be held in Cambodia in May. This is a multi-sport event that involves athletes from Southeast Asian countries. The last time Cambodia hosted the event was in 1966.
World Buddhist Forum
The World Buddhist Forum will be held in Cambodia in June. This is a global event that brings together Buddhists from all over the world to discuss issues related to Buddhism and its role in society.
Conclusion
The Khmer calendar is an important part of Cambodian culture and tradition. It is a lunar-solar calendar that follows the movement of the moon and the sun. In 2023, there will be many festivals and events that will happen according to the Khmer calendar, as well as global events that will take place in Cambodia. As a Cambodian, I am excited to celebrate these festivals and events and share them with the world.
Question & Answer
Q: What is the Khmer calendar?
A: The Khmer calendar is an ancient system of timekeeping that has been used in Cambodia for centuries. It is based on the movement of the moon and the sun, and it consists of 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days.
Q: What is the Khmer New Year?
A: The Khmer New Year, also known as Chol Chnam Thmay, is celebrated in mid-April and marks the beginning of the new year on the Khmer calendar. It is a time when families gather to offer blessings to their elders and make offerings to the monks at pagodas and temples.
Q: What is the Water Festival?
A: The Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk, is one of the biggest festivals in Cambodia. It happens in November and marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the fishing season. The festival is celebrated with boat races, fireworks, and other cultural activities.