Khmer Calendar 2024 September
As someone who has grown up in Cambodia, I have always been fascinated by the Khmer calendar and the various festivals and events that take place throughout the year. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience with the Khmer calendar in September 2024, including the different events and festivals that will be celebrated.
Overview of the Khmer Calendar
The Khmer calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which means that it is based on both the phases of the moon and the solar year. It is used in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and some parts of Myanmar and Vietnam. The Khmer calendar has 12 months, with each month consisting of 29 or 30 days. A 13th month is added every few years to align the calendar with the solar year.
Events and Festivals in Khmer Calendar 2024 September
September 2024 is an exciting time in the Khmer calendar, with several festivals and events taking place. Here is a list of some of the most significant:
- Chnam Thmey (New Year’s Day) – September 1st
- Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day) – September 17th to September 30th
- Water Festival – September 20th to September 22nd
Chnam Thmey (New Year’s Day)
Chnam Thmey, or Khmer New Year, is one of the most important festivals in the Khmer calendar. It is celebrated on April 13th or 14th, depending on the lunar calendar. However, in 2024, Chnam Thmey will be celebrated on September 1st. On Chnam Thmey, Cambodians traditionally visit temples to make offerings and receive blessings from the monks. They also clean their homes and decorate them with flowers and other decorations. People wear traditional clothes, play games, and eat special foods.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day)
Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestors’ Day or Hungry Ghost Festival, is a 15-day festival that usually falls in September or October. In 2024, it will be celebrated from September 17th to September 30th. During Pchum Ben, Cambodians pay their respects to their ancestors by offering food and prayers at temples and pagodas. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of the ancestors return to the world of the living, and offerings must be made to appease them.
Water Festival
The Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk, is a three-day festival that celebrates the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River. In 2024, it will be celebrated from September 20th to September 22nd. During the Water Festival, people gather in Phnom Penh to watch boat races on the Tonle Sap River. The boats are decorated with colorful flags and lights, and the races are accompanied by music and dancing. The festival also includes fireworks displays and other cultural performances.
FAQs
What is the Khmer calendar?
The Khmer calendar is a lunisolar calendar used in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and some parts of Myanmar and Vietnam. It is based on both the phases of the moon and the solar year.
What are some of the most significant festivals in the Khmer calendar?
Some of the most significant festivals in the Khmer calendar include Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year), Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day), and the Water Festival.
When is Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year) celebrated?
Chnam Thmey is usually celebrated on April 13th or 14th, depending on the lunar calendar. However, in 2024, it will be celebrated on September 1st.
What is Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day)?
Pchum Ben is a 15-day festival that usually falls in September or October. During this time, Cambodians pay their respects to their ancestors by offering food and prayers at temples and pagodas.
What is the Water Festival?
The Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk, is a three-day festival that celebrates the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River. It is celebrated with boat races, music, and cultural performances.