UC Wishes All Best of Luck in the New Year

Photos by Bandol Lim

Welcoming in the Year of the Ox, The University of Cambodia's students, faculty and staff joined together in celebration of the Khmer New Year on Monday, April 13, 2009. The morning began with a monk-led prayer ceremony to bless the school with prosperity for the new year. The university then invited in 40 monks, who were both students of the university and from surrounding pagodas, to submit a food offering. In the afternoon, the celebration kicked off with nearly 200 participants taking part in song, dance and traditional games. In addition to a dance contest and banana eating contest, the celebrants played two traditional Khmer games. In Chol Chhoung two teams of

men against women faced off,throwing the "chhoung," a bound krama scarf at one another. The hit target had to sing or dance at the opposing team's request. For the second game, Leak Kanseng, players sat in a circle and the "it" person walked around a circle with a twisted towel and secretly placed it behind one of the players' backs. The chosen player then had to take the towel and hit the person next to him or her. 

Following the games, six singers graced the stage with traditional Khmer music. Afterwards, the lucky draw and quiz game and the evening commenced with dancing and snacks. 

The University of Cambodia would like to wish all a happy and prosperous new year. To see more of the celebration, click on the slideshow below.