Khmer Holidays 2025: Dates and Meanings
Cambodia’s calendar is rich with festivals and national holidays, offering a unique insight into the country’s culture and traditions. In 2025, the Khmer holiday calendar is packed with important dates that celebrate everything from religious festivals to royal occasions.
For those living in or visiting Cambodia, understanding these holidays provides a deeper connection to the local way of life. Let’s dive into some of the most significant holidays of the year.
Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Dates: April 14-16, 2025
Cambodian New Year, or Chaul Chnam Thmey, is one of the biggest celebrations in the country. It marks the end of the harvest season, allowing farmers to rest and enjoy time with their families. The holiday lasts for three days and is filled with traditional games, visits to pagodas, and offerings to monks. Each day of the celebration has a specific meaning:
- Day 1: Maha Songkran – The welcoming of the new year.
- Day 2: Virak Vanabat – A day of giving and charity.
- Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak – Families clean their homes and prepare offerings for blessings.
Expect streets to be filled with celebrations and water throwing as Cambodians welcome in the new year with joy and optimism.
Learn more about how Cambodians celebrate New Year across the country.
Ironically New Year falls just at the same time as the anniversary of the death of Pol Pot of the Khmer Rouge in Anlong Veng.
Visak Bochea
Date: May 15, 2025
Visak Bochea is one of the most sacred Buddhist holidays in Cambodia, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Pagodas across the country are packed with worshippers bringing offerings and lighting incense. The day serves as a reminder for Buddhists to reflect on their lives and practice the teachings of the Buddha.
While it’s a solemn and spiritual day, the streets remain calm as families gather for quiet celebrations.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Preah Reach Pithi Chrot Preah Neangkol)
Date: May 2, 2025
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a significant traditional event that signals the start of the rice-growing season. Led by the King or a high-ranking official, the ritual involves a symbolic ploughing of the soil to forecast the agricultural fortune for the year. Based on what the sacred cows eat during the ceremony, predictions are made about the success of the upcoming harvest.
For those interested in Cambodian traditions, this is a fascinating event that reflects the country’s deep connection to agriculture.
Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day)
Dates: September 22-24, 2025
Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia’s most important religious holidays. Over 15 days, Cambodians honor their ancestors by bringing food offerings to the pagodas. The belief is that during this time, the gates of hell open, and the spirits of the dead come to receive offerings from their descendants.
The final three days of Pchum Ben are public holidays, with Cambodians traveling to their home provinces to visit family and pay their respects at the local pagoda. It’s a deeply spiritual time that holds great significance for many Cambodians.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Dates: November 13-15, 2025
Bon Om Touk, or the Water Festival, is one of the most vibrant festivals in Cambodia, marking the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s current. Held in November, this event draws huge crowds to Phnom Penh for boat races, fireworks, and all-night celebrations along the riverside.
Traditionally, the Water Festival celebrates both the natural phenomenon of the river’s reversal and the end of the rainy season. Today, it’s one of the most exciting times to be in Cambodia, with the capital buzzing with excitement.
Discover more about the Water Festival and its significance.
Photo: Lyda_Phal
Independence Day
Date: November 9, 2025
Cambodia’s Independence Day commemorates the country’s liberation from French colonial rule in 1953. It’s a patriotic day celebrated with parades, speeches, and fireworks. The main ceremony takes place at Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, with the King and top government officials attending.
For Cambodians, this day is a reminder of their nation’s hard-fought independence and the pride they have in their sovereignty.
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
Date: May 14, 2025
Cambodia celebrates the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni with a public holiday in May. While the King’s birthday is not as elaborate as some of the other festivals, it is still a significant day in the calendar. Many people take time to visit pagodas and make merit in honor of the monarchy.
Conclusion: Celebrating Khmer Traditions in 2025
With so many rich traditions, the Khmer holidays in 2025 offer a glimpse into the soul of Cambodia. Whether you’re living here or just visiting, these festivals are a fantastic way to connect with the local culture and experience the country’s unique way of life.
For more insights on living in Cambodia and experiencing its holidays, check out Cambodia Lifestyle.
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Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
