The Khmer New Year, also called Moha Sangkran “Great Sankranti” or Sangkranta, is a traditional celebration of the solar new year in Cambodia. It is a three-day public holiday that usually happens on 13 or 14 April. The festival marks the end of the harvesting season and is a time for farmers to enjoy the results of their work before the rainy season starts. It happens at the same time as the traditional solar new year in various parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
During the Khmer New Year, people prepare tables with flowers and food as offerings for their ancestors and to welcome new angel. They also take part in traditional games to celebrate. These games are played to make the days more enjoyable and to keep the mind and body active. Typically, these games are played in their villages or at the pagoda.

Here are some popular traditional games that are played during Khmer New Year.
- Chol Chhoung (Chaôl Chhung): This game is played by two groups of boys and girls. When someone gets hit by the chhoung, the entire group needs to dance to retrieve it while the other group sings during the dance.
- Bos Angkunh (Baôh Ángkŭnh): This game is commonly played at pagodas during Khmer New Year. It helps people stay mentally and physically agile and improves concentration.
- Leak Kon Saeng (Scarf Hidden Game): Played as a leisure activity at night, under the moonlight, during the Khmer New Year season, or in spare time.
- Sdech Jang (King Game): A game that is played by boys, girls, or teenagers in every village in Cambodia during their free time at night when the moon is out.
- Tort Seiy (Sey Game): A well-liked traditional game for men of all ages, often played outdoors in the late afternoon or in pagodas during Khmer New Year and other festivals.
- Teagn Prot Game (Tug-of-War): In rice-farming cultures of East Asia and Southeast Asia, people perform tugging rituals and games to bring about a good harvest and prosperity.
- Breaking Clay Pots: A popular game played during the Cambodian New Year holidays is to hang thin clay pots filled with flour and a small prize on a rope between trees. Players then attempt to break the pots while blindfolded.
- Lot Bao (Rice Bag Racing): A traditional Khmer game, which is usually played in the pagoda, requires strength and endurance to jump and determine the winner.
- Jab Kun Klang: A game where players form a line. One person stands in front, facing the line of players. The person in front’s goal is to prevent the person facing the line from reaching the player at the back of the line.
These traditional games are an important part of the Khmer New Year celebrations in Cambodia. They bring joy, bonding, and fascination to the festivities.

Conclusion: The Khmer New Year, also known as Moha Sangkran, is a special time for the people of Cambodia. It is a time of celebration, traditional games, and cultural importance. During this period, people come together to play traditional games, which help preserve their cultural heritage and encourage community involvement.