Written and photographed by Daranie Mor
Cambodia has an intriguing tradition of welcoming the new Buddhist year, currently at year 2562. This celebration lasts for three days, each day dealing with a different part of our lives. Other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Laos and parts of India also celebrate their new years upon the arrival of harvest season.
Serenity by Daranie Mor. 
Rose Water Ceremony by Daranie Mor.
The first day, Maha Songkran, celebrates the last day of the previous year. On this day, families show a debt of gratitude to Buddha for blessing them. People wash their faces in the morning, their mid-sections in the afternoon and their feet at night with sacred water for good fortune.
Rose Water Ceremony by Daranie Mor. 
Rose Water Ceremony by Daranie Mor. 
Man blessing Monks by Daranie Mor. 
Sharing Smiles by Daranie Mor.
One of the other traditions Cambodians have is the act of creating a sand hillock at the temple, that represents a Buddhist Stupa, by everyone attending the celebration. This hump of sand is a communal act to showcase unity in building an enlightened future.
Being able to embrace my Cambodian heritage at temples in Georgia, I feel connected to my homeland.
Buddha by Daranie Mor. 
Incense Sticks by Daranie Mor. 
Offerings by Daranie Mor. 
Year of the Pig by Daranie Mor. 
New Year’s Parade by Daranie Mor. 
Cherishing the New Year by Daranie Mor. 
Making the Sand Hillock by Daranie Mor. 
The Crowning by Daranie Mor. 
Choun Por Dancers by Daranie Mor. 
Crowned Apsara by Daranie Mor. 
Apsara by Daranie Mor. 
Blossoming by Daranie Mor. 
Khmer Dancer by Daranie Mor.
