Tep Sony  Khmer Times Thu, May 15,2025

During the annual Ploughing Ceremony held in Kampong Chhnang city on May 15, the oxen consumed rice, corn, and soybeans—signs that, according to tradition, forecast a prosperous harvest in the coming season.

The Brahman priest from the Royal Palace, who oversaw the ceremony presided over by King Norodom Sihamoni, declared that the oxen’s choice of food predicted an abundant agricultural yield this year.

The ceremony took place at Preah Sre Field, located at Kampong Chhnang City Stadium, and featured an exhibition of agricultural products and local handicrafts in anticipation of the 2025 farming season.

Kampong Chhnang Provincial Governor Sun Sovannarith represented the King in the ceremonial role of Sdech Meak, while his wife, Phat Sophany, served as Me Hua. After three symbolic rounds of ploughing, a pair of oxen was released to choose from seven types of offerings: rice, soybeans, corn, wine, water, grass, and sesame.

The oxen consumed 95% of the rice, 95% of the corn, and 80% of the soybeans. Based on this selection, the Brahman priest predicted favourable yields for these three crops in the upcoming harvest.

SOURCE: Khmer Times, Cambodia, Thu, May 15, 2025

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