Cambodian New Year
by Chhavireak In


While many Australian people are heading back from the Easter break, Cambodian communities start to celebrate one of their biggest event, Cambodian New Year.  During this special occasion, we have estimated that nearly 98% of Cambodian-Australians make their way to either Wat Buddharangsi temple or Wat Dharmaram.

To many Cambodians, Clarke Rd (location of Wat Buddharangsi temple) becomes a brand name just like Lygon St in the city for the Italians.

Monica, 27, said "Sometimes it is hard to live in Australia.  You  are caught up between the two cultures, you tend to forget who you are and you hardly see any other Cambodians.  New Year is the only time that I can see other Cambodians and friends and to learn a little bit about our culture".

Like their brothers and sisters who are disperse around the globe. Australian born Jessica and her siblings Isobelle and Deena-more accustom to McDonalds, Hungry Jacks and French fries, fine delights in the cutleries of traditional Cambodian sweet.  "I like Cambodian cake, it is so yummy, I like the one with the coconut" said Jessica.

Not wanting to oppose their elders sibling Isobelle and Deena, both 9, said "I like corn, especially the one here and with the special sauce.  It is so great". With a great grin on their faces, the corns are gobbled.

Justin at the tender age of 10 attend the celebration with mum agreed that corn is the best snack he added "I love the corn".

What makes this writer proud of this small but growing community, is the countless volunteer, who are bended on giving the party reveler a great time. Every year, these same people manned the stands selling food all three days and nights. 

Many have come to the temple since last Friday-one week in advance to prepare food and place of gathering. 

According to the organizers,benefit from the sales of food items, and toys, will go into rebuilding the temple. 

Last year the organizers reported that they have raised $15000 from the sale of food items. The figure is consistent between the two temples.  An estimate figure of AUD$40,000 are raised between Wat Puth Reangsey and Dharmaram. 

This year the organizers want to attract more people and raise more funds, both temples have sponsored famous singers from Cambodia to perform at the event.

This approach has definitely won the hearts and souls of many young Cambodian-Australians.

Ta, 18, said "so good to have free entertainment in the open, I am not very good with the Cambodian dance but I am willing to have a go".

The celebration of the Cambodian New Year in Melbourne will continue for another two days and to date it has earned a very good reputation amongst the Cambodian community.  The Angkorian  Society wishes all Cambodian people around the globe a wonderful New Year-if you are here in Melbourne, we will see you at the temple.