--HAPPY KHMER NEW YEAR 2009-Chaul Chnam Thmey--

Cambodian New Year (Khmer: បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី) or Chol Chnam Thmey in the Khmer language, literally "Enter the New Year", is the name of the Cambodian holiday that celebrates the new year.

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The holiday lasts for three days beginning on new year's day, most commonly April 13th but sometimes on the 14th in keeping with the lunar calendar. Khmer living in other countries may change the dates so as to celebrate on the weekend. This time of the year is at the end of the harvesting season. The farmers enjoy the fruits of their harvest and relax before the rainy season begins.

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The numbering is based on the Buddhist calendar. For 2009 it is 2553 BE (Buddhist Era),

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~http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian_New_Year

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~http://ethnomed.org/ethnomed/cultures/cambodian/khmer_new_yr.html

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~http://www.mot.gov.kh/event_festival/khmer_new_year.htm

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~http://www.talesofasia.com/rs-65-newyear.htm