On Monday, April 14, Siem Reap came alive with color, joy, and spiritual reflection as communities celebrated Day 1 of the Khmer New Year, known as Maha Sangkran. Rooted in the Sanskrit word Sankranta, meaning “transition,” and Maha, meaning “great,” this day marks the significant passage from the old year to the new.
Locals and visitors gathered across the city, wearing their finest traditional attire and heading to temples to pay their respects. The air was filled with the scent of incense and the bright hues of flowers offered at altars. A meaningful ritual unfolded throughout the day: washing the hands in the morning, the chest at noon, and the feet in the evening — a symbolic act of purification and spiritual renewal.
Maha Sangkran is not only a celebration but also a time for family gatherings, community connection, and personal reflection. Many took this opportunity to make resolutions and express gratitude. While Siem Reap’s celebrations are often more serene than the high-energy water fights of its neighboring countries, the gentle splashing of water remains a powerful symbol of blessings, cleansing, and well-wishing.
Children laughed and played with water guns and buckets, while others took part in water blessings from monks, seeking merit and positive energy for the year ahead. Traditional music, dance performances, and bursts of fireworks added to the festive spirit, painting a beautiful picture of Cambodia’s rich cultural identity. As the sun set on the first day of celebrations, the message of Maha Sangkran rang clear: a peaceful transition, a fresh start, and the enduring strength of Khmer tradition.
Below, some photos (provided kindly by Cambodianess) from the celebration at Angkor Wat.
