Sacred Furrow Festival to Be Celebrated on May 26 in Kampong Speu

The annual Sacred Furrow Festival, a deeply rooted tradition marking the beginning of the rice planting season in Cambodia, will be celebrated this year in Kampong Speu province. The festivities will take place on May 26 at the provincial Department of Education, Youth, and Sports in Chbar Mon city.

The Sacred Furrow Festival, known in Khmer as “ព្រះរាជពិធីច្រត់ព្រះនង្គ័ល,” is an ancient ritual that likely dates back to the pre-Angkorian era. A 6th-century statue of a deity plowing, found in Angkor Borei (the ancient capital of Funan), is considered the oldest evidence of this ceremony.

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An important Festival for Cambodia

This festival is of great importance to Cambodian farmers as it heralds the start of the rainy season and the rice cultivation period. According to tradition, the celebration predicts the distribution of rainfall across the country and thus the success of the rice harvest, based on the appetite of sacred oxen.

The King of Meak and Méhua

His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni will preside over the annual celebration. The governor of the host province will take on the symbolic role of the King of Meak, leading one of the plows, while his wife will portray Méhua, the ceremonial sower who follows at the end of the procession.

The King of Meak and Méhua are symbolic figures in the annual Sacred Furrow Festival. The King of Meak, traditionally chosen from local dignitaries, represents the sovereign inaugurating the planting season by leading one of the plows. This honorary title is given to a respected community leader for their wisdom and leadership.

Méhua, the female figure symbolizing the seed sower, follows the King of Meak, scattering seeds along the newly drawn furrow. She is often portrayed by the wife of the King of Meak or a woman chosen from the villagers to represent this character.

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Honoring Ancient Traditions and Community Spirit in Kampong Speu

The origins of these roles trace back to the pre-Angkorian period when the Funan kingdom ruled the region now known as Cambodia. According to legend, the Funan king ordered the construction of a large canal to irrigate the rice fields. To commemorate the event, he personally inaugurated the planting season by plowing the first furrow of the year. This tradition has endured in Cambodia’s rural regions, evolving into a more elaborate ceremony featuring symbolic figures like the King of Meak and Méhua.

Join us in Kampong Speu on May 26 to witness this vibrant celebration of Cambodia’s agricultural heritage, where tradition meets community spirit in the Sacred Furrow Festival.

Find more information on Kampong Speu

Kampong Speu is a picturesque province in Cambodia, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located just west of Phnom Penh, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling capital. Kampong Speu is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, waterfalls, and lush forests, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One of the top attractions in Kampong Speu is the Kirirom National Park. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. The park’s pine forest, rare in Cambodia, provides a unique atmosphere that contrasts with the country’s typical tropical scenery. Visitors to Kirirom can explore numerous trails, leading to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Another must-visit spot in Kampong Speu is the Chreav Waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is located in a serene, forested area and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The journey to the waterfall itself is an adventure, with a trek through dense jungle, crossing streams and clambering over rocks, adding to the sense of discovery.

For those interested in cultural experiences, Kampong Speu offers several pagodas and temples that are worth exploring. Wat Phnom Thon Mond is one such site, perched atop a hill and providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This temple is not only a place of worship but also a spot where visitors can learn about local traditions and practices.

Kampong Speu is also famous for its agricultural products, particularly its palm sugar, known locally as “Skor Thnot.” Visitors can tour local farms and see how this traditional sugar is made, from harvesting the sap to boiling it down into a sweet treat. Many visitors enjoy purchasing palm sugar as a unique and authentic souvenir from their trip.

Adventure seekers will find plenty to do in Kampong Speu as well. The province is home to several zipline courses that offer thrilling rides through the treetops, providing a bird’s-eye view of the lush landscape. Mountain biking is another popular activity, with various trails catering to different skill levels, from leisurely rides through villages to challenging routes up steep hills.

The province also boasts a rich culinary scene. Kampong Speu’s local cuisine reflects the region’s agricultural bounty, with dishes featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Street markets and local eateries offer a chance to sample traditional Cambodian dishes, such as grilled fish, green mango salad, and various noodle soups.

For a more laid-back experience, Kampong Speu’s countryside offers numerous homestays where visitors can immerse themselves in rural Cambodian life. Staying with a local family provides a unique opportunity to experience daily activities, from rice farming to traditional cooking, and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.

	Kampong Speu Province
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