This year (2025), the Royal Ploughing Ceremony will be held on May 15th, the day following King Norodom Sihamoni’s birthday, in Kampong Chhnang province.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, known in Khmer as Preah Reach Pithi Chrot Preah Neangkol (ព្រះរាជពិធីបុណ្យច្រត់ព្រះនង្គ័ល), is an ancient agricultural festival celebrated in Cambodia to mark the beginning of the rice-growing season. Rooted in Brahmanic and Hindu traditions, this ceremony symbolizes prosperity, good harvests, and the harmonious relationship between the monarchy, the people, and the land.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony dates back to the Khmer Empire, influenced by Hindu rituals introduced from India. It reflects Cambodia’s deep agrarian traditions, where rice farming is central to the economy and culture. The ceremony is traditionally presided over by the king or a high-ranking official, reinforcing the monarchy’s role as a protector of fertility and abundance.
The Ceremony’s Rituals
Held in May (the start of the rainy season), the ceremony takes place in a symbolic field near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh or at sacred grounds like Veal Preah Meru (វាលព្រះមេរុ) in front of the National Museum, or in other provinces. Key rituals include:
1. The Sacred Ploughing – Two royal oxen, decorated with flowers and gold, plough a sacred furrow while a high-ranking official (often representing the king) sows rice seeds. This act invokes blessings for a fertile planting season.
2. The Offering of the Seven Bowls – After ploughing, the oxen are presented with seven bowls containing rice, corn, beans, sesame, grass, water, and wine. The oxen’s choice of food is believed to predict the coming year’s harvest:
– Eating rice or corn signifies abundance.
– Choosing beans or sesame indicates a good yield for secondary crops.
– Drinking water suggests ample rainfall, while wine warns of possible droughts or challenges.
3. Royal Blessings and Astrological Predictions – Brahmin priests and royal astrologers interpret the omens and announce predictions for the agricultural year, guiding farmers on the best crops to cultivate.
Modern Celebrations and National Importance
While Cambodia has modernized, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony remains a significant national event, attended by government officials, farmers, and tourists. It reinforces cultural identity and reminds Cambodians of their agrarian roots. King Norodom Sihamoni and other dignitaries often participate, maintaining the monarchy’s spiritual connection to the land.
In rural areas, similar smaller-scale ceremonies take place, where local farmers seek blessings for their fields. The festival also coincides with Visak Bochea, a Buddhist holiday, blending Hindu-Brahmanic and Buddhist traditions.
Conclusion
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is more than a ritual—it is a living tradition that unites Cambodia’s past and present. By honoring the sacred bond between humans, animals, and the earth, it ensures the continuity of Cambodia’s agricultural heritage while fostering hope for prosperity in each new planting season.