Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2026
Cambodia’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony marked the start of the rice-growing season as sacred oxen symbolically forecast agricultural conditions for the year ahead.
The event
What to expect
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, or Bon Chroat Preah Nongkoal, was observed on 5 May 2026. The ancient royal ritual marks the beginning of Cambodia’s rice-planting and rainy season.
Royal oxen plough a ceremonial field before choosing from trays of rice, corn, sesame, beans, grass, water and wine. Royal Brahmins interpret the animals’ choices as symbolic forecasts for crops, rainfall and agricultural conditions.
Organizer & venue
Hosted by Veal Preah Meru, beside the National Museum, Phnom Penh
CambodiaVeal Preah Meru, beside the National Museum, Phnom Penh
Veal Preah Meru, beside the National Museum, Phnom Penh hosts a range of events celebrating the culture and community of Cambodia.
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