The Tacoma temple or also known as វត្ត (wat), was filled with the liveliness, colors, and spirits of Cambodia, as local Cambodian community members gathered together to celebrate Choul Chnam Thmey, the Cambodian New Year.

Celebrated from April 14th-16th, Cambodian New Year is a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and celebrating with family and friends, marking the end, and beginning of a new year. The Khmer Theravadin Buddhist Temple in Tacoma, Washington hosted celebrations and welcomed hundreds of guests for three fulfilled days of cultural performances, traditional rituals, foods, and games.

The event begins with a Buddhist blessing ceremony where people bring rice, money, fruits, and flowers to offer to the monks. This tradition is meant to brink good luck and blessings.

Outside of the temple, the celebration becomes lively. Traditional Cambodian dishes are served such as:

Nom Banh Chok- Khmer noodles with a fish-based curry sauce

Nom Ansom- Sticky Rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves filled with banana or pork

Bai Sach Chrouk- Pork and rice dish

Sachko Ang- Lemongrass beef skewers

And many more!
One of the most exciting parts of the Cambodian New Years festival was the traditional dancing. Young performers dressed in traditional outfits performed the Aspara dance, moving slowly and gracefully like dancers from ancient Cambodian stories.

Later on, everyone is invited to join the Ramvong, a slow but fun circle dance that people of all ages enjoy. Parents, kids, and grandparents danced with together with big smiles.

Many parents bring their children to the festival so that they can learn about their Cambodian roots and keep the traditions alive.

As the sun set on the final day, colorful lanterns lit up the sky. Families hugged, said goodbye, and made wishes for a happy new year.

The Cambodian New Year celebration at TLC wasn’t just fun—it was a chance to share culture, memories, and happiness with the whole community.

Soursdey Chnam Thmey! (Happy New Year!)