The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts spokesman Sum Map yesterday clarified facts concerniing UNESCO’s listing of Thailand’s Songkran festival on its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.

Map said he noted that the UNESCO listing that recognises Thailand’s new year festival is called, “Songkran in Thailand”, and not “Songkran of Thailand.”

He added that the distinction is important because the recognition of Songkran in Thailand does not affect the significance of Cambodia’s own Moha Sangkranta festival, or those of any other country.

On December 6, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced that the Traditional Thai New Year Festival will be included on its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.

UNESCO Thailand’s official website is promoting the Thai traditional New Year with the official name “Songkran in Thailand, Traditional Thai New Year Festival”.

The contemporary word “songkran” derives from the Indian Sanskrit word “sankranti” and means a repeating cycle of time throughout the year signifying a change of seasons.

“Moha Sangkranta has become a tradition in some Southeast Asian nations, which is recognised now as an intangible heritage of mankind,” Map said.

He added that UNESCO always encourages all countries to register jointly for intangible heritage of shared forms. He noted that Moha Sangkranta in Cambodia may be registered in 2026.

“We have a list of priorities for Cambodia of our intangible heritage, such as scarves and noodles. It is possible Moha Sangkranta in Cambodia may be registered in 2026 if we prepare to file it next year according to the procedure. UNESCO requires two years to evaluate and decide on registration.”

Cambodian historian Sambo Manara said yesterday that Moha Sangkranta is just a festival.

“Sangkranta is a word that signifies the New Year. For me, when it comes to Sangkranta, it is just a word that indicates a time that we celebrate the New Year,” Manara said.

Moha Sangkranta festival is the largest annual holiday in the Cambodia. On the occasion, revellers participate in religious ceremonies, visit their families in their home provinces and travel to tourist destinations.Credit By:...https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501405363/ministry-clarifies-the-significance-of-moha-sangkranta-festival/

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Ministry clarifies the significance of Moha Sangkranta festival

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 MOHA SANGKRAN Happy Cambodian(Khmer) New Year 2025 or Angkor Sangkranta on 14/15/16 April 2025🇰🇭✨

Cambodian people have many holidays during the year. One of the most important is Khmer New Year (Khmer: បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី, pronounced: Choul Chnam Thmey). It is celebrated over three days starting from the 13th or 14th of April, which coincides with the end of the harvesting season. Khmer New Year is a precious time for Cambodian people to gather with family, friends and their community. It is celebrated throughout Cambodia and is rooted in Buddhist traditions.

So how is Khmer New Year celebrated? There are different traditions on each day.

Day 1: Maha Songkran (មហាសង្រ្កាន្ត)

On the first day of Khmer New Year people put fruit in front of their houses as an offering to the gods. They believe that the new gods will come to take nourishment from the fruits and give their blessings to the home.

Day 2: Virak Vanabat (វិរ:វ័នបត)

On the second day people visit their relatives, give gifts to their parents, have a nice lunch with them or visit somewhere together.

Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak (វារៈឡើងស័ក)

On the last day people bathe statues of Buddha and their parents and grandparents with water blessed by monks. In the Khmer language we say “Srong Tek. This is a way to respect the Buddha and your parents, bring them health and long life, and ask their forgiveness for past wrongs.

Over the three days, people also bring some food to the pagoda for ancestors who have passed away.

We welcome  to Siem Reap in 2025 and We think Khmer New Year in Siem Reap is enjoyable. People always respect and remember. We really like the big trees along the streets.  We have fallen in love with the many temples and many things such as traditional Khmer performing, Cambodian circus, food, music and nightlife. If you are in Siem Reap for Khmer New Year,we are sure you will remember it and want to come back again✅

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MOHA SANGKRAN Happy Cambodian(Khmer) New Year 2025 or Angkor Sangkranta on 14/15/16 April 2025

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 Moha Sangkran is the first day of the Cambodian New Year, also known as Khmer New Year or "Choul Chnam Thmey," which translates to "Entering the New Year" in Khmer. This vibrant festival marks the traditional solar new year in Cambodia and is one of the country’s most significant cultural celebrations. It typically begins on April 13 or 14, depending on the ancient horoscope known as "Moha Sangkran," and lasts for three days, aligning with the end of the harvest season and the start of the rainy season.

On Moha Sangkran, the festivities commence with the welcoming of a new year angel, a tradition rooted in legend where one of seven angelic daughters of the god Kabil Moha Prum descends to Earth to bless the people. Each year features a different angel, with specific attributes and offerings tied to her, such as favorite foods or symbolic items. For example, in 2024, Angel Mohothareak Tevy, associated with the Year of the Dragon, was honored with offerings like venison or dried beef. People prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes, setting up altars with flowers, incense, candles, and food to honor the angel and pray for prosperity and happiness.

The day involves various rituals, including bathing with holy water—face in the morning, chest at noon, and feet in the evening—as a symbolic cleansing to wash away the past year’s misfortunes. Many Cambodians visit temples to offer prayers, burn incense, light candles, and thank Buddha for his teachings. Unlike the water-splashing festivities of neighboring countries like Thailand’s Songkran, Cambodia’s Moha Sangkran focuses more on spiritual and communal activities, though some playful water-throwing may occur.

This day sets the tone for the three-day celebration, followed by Wanabat (a day of charity and offerings) and T’ngai Laeng Saka (a day of family gatherings and blessings). Moha Sangkran reflects Cambodia’s rich blend of Buddhist traditions and ancient Brahmanic influences, celebrating renewal, gratitude, and community as the nation transitions into a new cycle.

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Moha Sangkran Cambodia

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 Moha Sangkranta Khmer is part of the Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) celebrations in Cambodia. It is a grand cultural festival held in Siem Reap, often at Angkor Wat, featuring traditional games, performances, and religious ceremonies.Key Aspects of Moha Sangkranta Khmer: • Celebrated during Khmer New Year (April 13–16) • Mass gatherings at Angkor Wat with thousands of locals and tourists • Traditional Khmer games such as Leak Kanseng and Chol Chhoung • Cultural performances including Apsara dance and traditional music • Buddhist ceremonies to bring blessings for the new year • Giant gatherings for record-breaking events, such as the largest Madison danceThis festival showcases Cambodia’s rich heritage and brings people together in joy and unity. Do you want more details about specific traditions or events during Moha Sangkranta.

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Moha Sangkranta Khmer

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