AKP Phnom Penh, April 09, 2026 -- The Senate of Cambodia on Wednesday held a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony to mark the upcoming Khmer New Year, with senior senators and officials in attendance.

The ceremony, presided over by Acting Senate President H.E. Ouch Borith and Second Vice President H.E. Thun Vathana and their spouses, took place at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace in Phnom Penh. 

Participants included senators, senior leaders and civil servants from the Senate’s General Secretariat.

During the ceremony, the leaders offered candles, incense and flowers, and paid homage to the Triple Gem in accordance with Buddhist rites. Monks were invited to chant sacred scriptures and bestow blessings, while offerings were presented to the clergy to dedicate merit to deceased relatives, national figures and fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Special prayers were also offered for late prominent figures, most notably former Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Thomma Pothisal Chea Sim and his spouse, Nhem Soeun Chea Sim, alongside other distinguished dignitaries.

Following the religious rites, attendees watched a traditional Troddi dance performance in front of the Senate’s Solidarity Palace.

Cambodia’s Khmer New Year for the Year of the Horse will be celebrated from April 14 to 16, 2026.

By K. Rithy Reak