Royal Plowing Ceremony

The King of Cambodia practices an old custom known as the Royal Plowing Ceremony. On the 4th day of the 6th lunar month's waning moon, which is normally in May in the western calendar, the Royal Plowing Ceremony is solemnly held at the start of the sowing and planting season.

This festival ushers in the rainy season with feasts and prayers in the hopes of a plentiful harvest. The cultural ceremony, which normally takes place at Meru Field in front of the National Museum, near to the Royal Palace, is undoubtedly the highlight of the day.

Chanting monks petition the soil spirits for permission to plough during the rite. Following that, ceremonial furrows are drawn, rice is distributed, and offerings to the gods are made. Norodom Sihamoni, the King, is frequently seen plowing and planting. With two royal oxen, the King or a chosen representative ploughs a plot of land. These oxen are offered a choice of fodder after travelling around the field three times. The food that the animals eat is thought to foretell the weather or the outcome of the coming year's harvest.

Date: May 19, 2022